Customs officers at the Nuwaiseeb border crossing have foiled an attempt to smuggle cigarettes out of Kuwait after discovering the contraband concealed inside a vehicle’s fuel tank and other specially modified compartments inside the vehicle.

In a statement issued on Friday, the General Administration of Customs said the seizure was made during routine inspection procedures carried out by customs personnel at the border crossing.

The vehicle was subjected to a thorough inspection, and officers found 43 cartons and eight packs of cigarettes hidden inside the fuel tank and behind the gearbox trim.

Authorities said the concealed compartments had been specially prepared to hide the contraband, and that the vehicle had been modified specifically for smuggling purposes.

Customs officials praised the vigilance of officers, noting that the successful interception reflected ongoing efforts to strengthen border security and combat smuggling activities.

The administration said the suspect and the confiscated cigarettes have been referred to the General Department of Criminal Investigation to complete the legal process.