Customs in festive season crackdown

HM Customs will increase officer presence at the frontier in a bid to curtail the illicit importation of fireworks ahead of the festive season.

‘Operation Comet’ will begin in the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year’s, with an aim to further enforce prohibitions and restrictions.

Customs advise the public to purchase British Standard approved fireworks that have been legally imported and are available locally from licensed dealers.

“The increased presence will ensure that proper customs clearance procedures are maintained and that we have adequate facilities in place to cope with the extra volume of coaches and private vehicles coming from shopping in Spain in the build-up to Christmas,” a Customs spokesman said.

Passenger declaration forms have been distributed to all tour operators and should be completed prior to the coach’s arrival. This is not a requirement for private vehicles.

Royal Gibraltar Police dogs will be also operate at the border in a committed attempt to enforce the prohibition of illicit fireworks.