Police seize 3,000 packs of illegal cigarettes

Brussels police have seized almost 3,000 packs of contraband cigarettes during an inspection near the Mabru morning food market along the canal.

The seizure, done in coordination with the federal public health ministry, also included 200 perfumes and other cosmetic products that are illegal in Belgium because they contain dangerous ingredients.

“A total of 2,896 packets of cigarettes were seized, with an estimated retail value of about €14,000,” said a police spokesperson.

“A seller was also caught selling fake rubbish bags from the Brussels region. Approximately 200 rolls of these bags were seized.”

The Mabru market clarified that the seizure took place on public roads about 1km from its premises, and not within the market itself.

“None of our traders are involved in this case,” said director Laurent Nys and chairman Sevket Temiz in a joint statement.

“We’ve been raising the issue of illegal street vending in the neighbourhood for some time and therefore congratulate the authorities on their decisive action to put an end to these harmful practices.

"We’d like to remind you that the Mabru market is a strictly regulated, secure and controlled environment, bringing together more than 100 professional businesses serving local shops, restaurants and citizens.”

In a similar inspection that took place last Friday, Brussels police closed six shops in a shopping arcade that were selling thousands of illegal vapes and hundreds of nicotine pouches.

“The operation, which went without incident, was mainly aimed at the illegal sale of disposable vapes,” police said.

“Since 1 January this year, it has been illegal to sell these in our country.”