Customs Foil The Smuggling Of 10.400 Smart Phones In Algiers Port

Customs division at the port of Algiers foiled, during the current week, an attempt to smuggle a quantity of mobile phones, estimated at 10,400 mobile phones of the last model from the French city of Marseilles towards Algeria illegally, without permission and authorization from the Ministry of Post and Information and Communication Technologies.

According to Echorouk sources, the container that was detained, following information that was received by the Central Inspectorate for the Control of Commercial Operations of the General Directorate of Customs at Algiers Port, said that the importer was trying to introduce a significant amount of Chinese-made smart phones to Algeria.

Following an inspection of the containers that arrived, particularly those coming from China via Marseilles, they identified the suspect container, which was stored at the container complex near the main exit of the port.

A special team of Customs Inspectorate inspected the contents of the container, which owner, who is under security-tracking, did not obtain any permit, and seized 10.400 smart phones.

Same sources added that the smuggled mobile phones are equipped with the latest technologies, and their prices reach at least 70.000 DZD per phone, while the investigation is still ongoing, especially since preliminary information indicates the existence of an international cell that is using maritime and air routes to smuggle mobile phones.

Central Inspectorate of Commercial Operations released a record of violation and penal follow-up against the importer, and an immediate notification to public prosecutor at the Sidi Amhamed court. 

The goods were also seized and the involved person was punished according to the Article 325 of the Customs Law.