Man arrested in Spain with €200,000 worth of smuggled Cuban cigars

A Spanish national of Cuban origin traveling by bus between southern Spain and Paris was intercepted with a thousand illegal Cuban cigars.

During a routine check at the La Jonquera border crossing on September 23, the National Police border unit seized 997 cigars from well-known brands, according to the Spanish daily La Vanguardia and the local newspaper Diari de Tarragona.

The contraband was discovered in the luggage of a traveler on a bus journey from Murcia (southeastern Spain) to Paris. The 60-year-old man—a Spanish national of Cuban origin—was arrested for alleged trafficking.

Officers found 40 packages in his luggage containing a total of 997 cigars, carelessly wrapped in clear plastic bags. The seized cigars bore Cohiba, Montecristo, and Partagás bands. Their black-market value is estimated at €226,714, the newspaper reported.

Given the unusual packaging and the absence of authenticity seals, the police have asked the relevant brands to conduct expert analyses to determine the authenticity of the seized goods. They are currently awaiting the results.

The arrested man was released after giving a statement to the judge, both newspapers noted.

Photo: ©Spanish National Police