A Spanish-plated vehicle carrying a total of 730,000 cigarettes was intercepted by the GNR during a routine check near Olhão on December 11.
The smuggled cigarettes, including brands such as Red Respect, American Legend and Chesterfield, are reported as having a market value of €123,100, with tax owed to the State amounting to €101,750.
The 57-year-old male driver of foreign nationality was stopped by the GNR after officers noticed the vehicle was carrying excessive cargo.
Suspicion about the nervous behaviour of the driver led to the GNR opening some boxes, which were hidden behind electrical appliances, and finding the smuggled contents.
The driver was arrested and is due to appear in court.
