More than 4,000 cigarettes were intercepted by the Customs Department this morning in an old people’s home in Sa Maison after an anonymous tip.

In a statement, the department said that the contraband cigarettes were intended to be sold to elderly people. Contraband cigarettes were also found in a bar in Hamrun.

The Customs Department described the old people’s home as a 'very unusual place' where contraband cigarettes were being sold.

After an intensive search, customs officials found 2,820 contraband cigarettes in the office of this residency.

In a separate search late yesterday evening, the department also found 1,200 contraband cigarettes in a bar in Hamrun.

Last week, the department seized 42,000 contraband cigarettes in a Msida bar.

Customs Department said it recently launched a new enforcement campaign where it asked the public to pass on any information anonymously on 2568 5124 or 2568 5200. The department said that this initiative is bearing fruits.