WILLEMSTAD – Customs officers in Curaçao confiscated approximately 150 cartons of cigarettes—equivalent to around 1,500 individual packs—during a routine inspection at several supermarkets in the Sta. Rosa and Ronde Klip areas on Monday. The seized cigarettes were found to be missing the legally required excise tax stamps. 

According to Customs authorities, the operation was part of ongoing efforts to crack down on untaxed and potentially illicit tobacco products circulating in the local market. All confiscated cigarette cartons have been taken in for further investigation, as officials aim to determine the origin of the products and whether any criminal violations have occurred. 

In a statement issued after the inspection, Curaçao Customs urged consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing tobacco products. "We advise everyone to always check that the cigarette pack bears the official excise stamp, as required by law," the agency stated. 

The investigation is ongoing, and further actions may be taken depending on the outcome. Authorities emphasized that ensuring the proper taxation of goods is essential not only for public revenue but also for consumer protection and fair market practices.