The Czech customs administration has reported a significant increase in the seizure of illegal spirits in the country, with more than 8,400 liters confiscated in the first eight months of this year. This marks a substantial rise compared to the same period in the previous year. Representatives from the General Directorate of Customs revealed that this surge in seizures included over 5,000 liters found during road inspections and more than 3,300 liters discovered in licensed establishments.

Compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, there has been a nearly 300% increase in the quantity of illegal spirits seized on the roads. In 2022, customs officers conducted 2,097 road checks and found illegal liquor in 30 cases. This year, they carried out 2,253 road inspections, resulting in the discovery of illicit alcohol in 52 cases.

Similarly, customs officers have intensified their efforts in licensed establishments, conducting 429 inspections in 2023 and identifying misconduct in 87 cases. This represents a significant rise compared to 2022 when 47 cases of misconduct were detected in a total of 389 inspections.

The majority of the seized liquor, over 3,000 liters, was apprehended for violations of tax regulations on the roads of the South Moravia and Olomouc regions. These spirits were being transported from Italy to Lithuania. Notably, the vehicles frequently involved in such smuggling operations bore Bulgarian registration plates, with customs officers registering 17 cases of this nature this year, resulting in the seizure of 1,015 liters of unstamped bottled alcohol.

Illicit handling of unstamped alcohol has also been detected in various commercial premises, including restaurants, bars, cafes, and convenience stores. In a nationwide inspection operation carried out in July, customs officers identified nearly 90 violations and confiscated 570 liters of spirits in over 500 checks.

To ensure public safety, all seized spirits have been examined for methanol, with no dangerous levels detected. Given the uptick in illicit alcohol activity, the customs authority intends to continue targeted inspections of select products.

The production of alcohol and alcoholic beverages in the Czech Republic is subject to specific legal obligations. Alcoholic beverages are subject to excise tax, and bottles containing such beverages must bear a special label if the total alcohol content is at least 15% ethanol by volume. Violations of these obligations can result in fines of up to CZK 10 million for production-related offenses and up to CZK 5 million for non-compliance with stamping requirements.

This increase in seizures highlights the ongoing efforts of Czech customs to combat illegal alcohol production and smuggling, safeguard public health, and uphold legal standards in the alcoholic beverage industry.

Article by Prague Forum