Massive Hookah Tobacco Bust: 17 Tons Seized in Paris Region, Linked to Morocco

The operation took place in Aubervilliers on February 22. Customs services found more than 17 tons of hookah tobacco as well as 30,000 euros in cash in a truck that had left Sète, reports France info. The documents found in the truck indicate that this cargo was apparently supposed to be transported to Antwerp, but the French authorities say they are convinced that it was intended for resale in France.

In addition to this seizure, the two occupants of the vehicle, both of Belgian nationality, were arrested. They are people known to the justice system. The value of the goods is estimated at more than 4 million euros on the black market. The French authorities believe that the goods would have been imported by ship from Morocco. The Bobigny Judicial Court entrusted the investigations to the Financial Judicial Investigations Service.