A man was fined Lm4,682 and given a suspended sentence, after admitting he helped to smuggle 3,000 packets of contraband cigarettes on which Lm3,275 in excise duty and VAT should have been paid.

Raymond Schembri, 40, of Qormi, was accused of helping to smuggle 300 cartons of cigarettes on 22 September 2004. He had was also charged with handling these items to evade excise duty and VAT.

Another 50 cartons of contraband cigarettes, on which Lm425 in excise duty and Lm101 in VAT was owed were found when police searched his residence.

In total, all 300 cartons, that is 3,000 packets of cigarettes, were worth Lm712 and Lm2,668 in excise duty and Lm606 in VAT was owed on the merchandise.

Schembri pleaded guilty to the charges and was fined Lm4,682. He was also sentenced to one week in jail suspended for a year.

Magistrate Giovanni Grixti presided over the court.

Inspector Kevin Borg prosecuted.