By John Smith • Published: 22 Jan 2020 • 17:56
The slightly damp cigarettes that were seized Credit: HM Customs Gibraltar
IN the early hours of the morning of January 22 whilst carrying out a routine patrol in Gibraltar territorial waters, officers from the Customs Marine Section engaged in a chase of a suspect vessel loaded with tobacco.
The small speedboat approximately 5.5 metres in length, made numerous evasive manoeuvres before HMC Tango 1 was able to intercept it.
Two other suspect vessels believed to be involved in illicit tobacco activity tried to assist the small speedboat to make its escape and the occupants were able to escape by land.
When customs officers confiscated and boarded the small speedboat, the other two vessels rammed it and attacked the officers, hitting an officer on the shoulder.
An individual on one of the vessels then threatened the officers, making comments about a weapon and acting as if he had a firearm by pointing both his hands towards them.
The two suspect vessels then attempted to ram HMC Seeker and HMC Tango 1, causing both suspect vessels to collide and one of the individuals to fall overboard.
The suspects managed to retrieve the individual from the water and made their escape into Spain but customs officers managed to retain 1,500 cartons of cigarettes and paraphernalia related to tobacco smuggling.
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Married to Ophelia in Gibraltar in 1978, John has spent much of his life travelling on security print and minting business and visited every continent except Antarctica. Having retired several years ago, the couple moved to their house in Estepona and John became a regular news writer for the EWN Media Group taking particular interest in Finance, Gibraltar and Costa del Sol Social Scene. Currently he is acting as Editorial Consultant for the paper helping to shape its future development. Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews
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