Inspectors from the General Authority of Customs (GAC) have seized 2.8 tonnes of illegal chewing tobacco at the Sea Customs Department of Hamad Port.

As the shipment was screened through the scanning device, it was suspected to have material hidden inside imported water heaters. When the container was transferred to the inspection area for further checks, the chewing tobacco was located carefully hidden inside the heaters, the GAC said in a statement.

After the trafficking attempt was foiled, Sea Customs Department director Abdulhadi al-Sahli thanked the inspectors for their efforts that led to the seizure, stressing that this was the result of the competence of Customs officials and their field experience.

Al-Sahli said legal measures were taken immediately after the shipment was seized.