Customs officials at the Blace border crossing confiscated 126 kilograms of hookah tobacco, valued at 971,772 denars, from a vehicle entering North Macedonia.

The discovery occurred during an inspection of a car with Macedonian license plates, prompted by the passenger’s suspicious behavior and request for expedited passage.

The detailed inspection revealed 504 boxes, each containing 250 grams of hookah tobacco, preventing the release of excise goods into circulation and evading 661,812 denars in duties.

The case has been transferred to the Control and Investigations Sector for further investigation, and a criminal complaint will be filed against the individual for excise duty evasion, a crime punishable under the Criminal Code.