Three customs officials detained for abetting in contraband activities

RIGA - Three customs officials have been detained at the Paternieki border crossing on suspicion of abetting in contraband activities, State Revenue Service Internal Security Department director Natalija Dolgova informed members of the press on Wednesday.

On August 30, the SRS's Internal Security Department, in cooperation with the Tax and Customs Police, seized a cargo of approximately 10 million illegal cigarettes. The calculated loss to the national budget was approximately EUR 1.4 million.

Two citizens of Belarus were detained, as well as three lower and mid-level ranking customs officers from Latvia. The customs officers were detained on suspicion of abetting the above mentioned contraband activities.

The officers have since been suspended from the customs service and the investigation into the matter continues.