Major Seizure of Smuggled Cigars at Athens Airport

[El Presidente]

Major Seizure of Smuggled Cigars at Athens Airport

Officials identified a Cuban national arriving in Athens via Turkey, who was found to be carrying 43 kilograms of undeclared cigars in his luggage.

A significant blow against the illicit tobacco trade has been delivered by inspectors of Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) at Athens International Airport.

During targeted inspections, officials identified a Cuban national arriving in Athens via Turkey, who was found to be carrying 43 kilograms of undeclared cigars in his luggage.

According to AADE:
• A total of 2,806 cigars of various well-known brands were confiscated.

• Their total taxable value is estimated at 440,000 euros.

• Corresponding duties and taxes amount to 280,000 euros.

In an official statement, AADE confirmed that the passenger was immediately arrested and brought before the competent investigating magistrate, while the smuggled goods were seized.

[ha_banos]

While the smuggled goods were seized, to the delight of the authorities who will no doubt be bragging about their Cuban cigar collections for years to come! Opa!

[LizardGizmo]

And I thought my $43 tax bill from NJ was lunacy...

[JohnS]

43 kilograms? That's about 2 suitcases worth of cigars! Wow...just wow! 😶

[Lucas Buck]

That’s the start of a very nice collection. Took me almost a year to collect that many. 

[Habanoschris]

This article had some pics https://greekcitytimes.com/2026/03/28/authorities-seize-e440000-worth-of-smuggled-havana-cigars/?amp

[BrightonCorgi]

April 12th cannot come fast enough for the authorities.

[Fugu]

2,800 cigars  - 440,000 taxable value 🤨. For mostly customs and a bunch of fauxiba?

[laficion]

Not bad for a day's work. 

Will they be burned, (one by one)???

Guy

[pohlmad]

On 3/28/2026 at 8:12 PM, Fugu said:

2,800 cigars  - 440,000 taxable value 🤨. For mostly customs and a bunch of fauxiba?

I agree the value applied is suspect, at best. With current conversion rates this would be ~$180USD/cigar. I know Cubans have gotten expensive but I’m not sure that expensive! Seems like someone inflated the value for a headline. 

[Fugu]

4 hours ago, pohlmad said:

I agree the value applied is suspect, at best. With current conversion rates this would be ~$180USD/cigar. I know Cubans have gotten expensive but I’m not sure that expensive! Seems like someone inflated the value for a headline. 

Or perhaps they were using current BR auctions for their pricing reference. 😂

[Chibearsv]

4 hours ago, pohlmad said:

Seems like someone inflated the value for a headline. 

Or the fine. 🤔

[JDoughty]

Darn it, they found my traveldor with my weekend supply.