A distributor of contraband cigarettes was caught by the Customs Department in Cospicua with 31,000 cigarettes, the department said in a statement.

A search in his residence yielded another 860 contraband cigarettes, the statement said.

The department also lifted 5,000 contraband cigarettes in a garage in Cospicua, 6,600 cigarettes at the airport, 1,080 in a Zabbar grocery shop, 1,320 from a stationery in Pieta, 660 in a confectionery in St Julian’s, 580 in a Msida grocery and 60 in a Zebbug bar.

The cigarettes caught were of different brands: Business Royals, American Legend, Marlboro Red, Richman Red, Tradition Gold Oris Super Slims, Burton, Camel Yellow, L&M Red and L&M Blue.

The department also seized 130 litres of wine on which no excise duty had been paid.