Solomon Islands clampdown on illegal tobacco a priority

2:51 pm on 7 March 2017

Solomon Islands Customs says targeting illegal tobacco is one of its operational priorities.

Tobacco and cigarettes

Photo: 123rf

The comptroller of Customs said they were determined to stop the illegal trade of tobacco in the country.

He said not only are these importers evading government taxes, they also bring harm to the community through the greater availability of cheap tobacco.

This is in light of a recent seizure of illegal tobacco from a Malaysian logging company.

The Customs Act has wide powers and it is more than likely the importer will be required to pay all taxes including penalty, and forfeit the goods.