Latvian customs officials have made a significant bust, uncovering 382 packets of smuggled cigarettes from Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, in a passenger's luggage. The individual, an Estonian citizen, initially denied possessing cigarettes when questioned upon arrival, opting for the 'green corridor' which is meant for travelers with nothing to declare. However, further inspection led to the discovery of a total of 7,640 cigarettes, raising concerns about smuggling activities.

In response to this situation, the customs authority has handed over the investigation materials to the Tax and Customs Police, who have initiated a criminal case regarding the smuggling incident. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Tax and Customs Affairs Prosecutor's Office, actions have been taken to expedite the prosecution process. This highlights the stringent measures the authorities are applying to combat smuggling and ensure compliance with customs regulations in Latvia.

The incident serves as a reminder for travelers regarding customs regulations; under current laws, individuals traveling by air from third countries, excluding Russia and Belarus, can only bring in a limited quantity of tobacco products without tax. Specifically, travelers in Latvia can legally import 200 cigarettes or a small number of cigars and cigarillos, reinforcing the importance of adhering to these limits to prevent legal ramifications.