There were 933 cases of Marlboro cigarettes, each containing 10,000 for a total of 9.33 million, and 3,604 cases of Gauloises cigarettes, each containing 5,000, for a total of 18.02 million.

In all, there were 27.25 million cigarettes, the department said.

There were also 146 cartons of CD players, each containing four items for a total of 584 units.

Throughout the day, the Malta Customs received congratulatory mails from foreign agencies regarding this extraordinary haul as well as information that the haul of Gauloises cigarettes was the first ever recorded by any Customs authority. On its part Malta Customs thanked the Freeport Authority for their excellent co-operation and assistance.

It is very important to note that these cigarettes are of a very cheap quality and thus a health hazard, the department said.