Insect-ridden tobacco seized at Irbid factory

AMMAN — Anti-smuggling personnel at the Jordan Customs Department (JCD) have seized 1.5 tonnes of damaged tobacco at a factory in Irbid, the JCD said on Thursday.

Security personnel seized the tobacco after a week-long investigation revealed that the factory imports tobacco for production purposes but instead sells it directly to the local market, according to a JCD statement.

In an initial examination, JCD agents found insects and worms in the tobacco and reported the incident to representatives of Irbid Municipality, the Health Ministry and the Rangers.

After confirming the tobacco had expired, a committee was formed to supervise its destruction at the Ikeider landfill in eastern Irbid. Those involved in the incident will be referred to the concerned authorities, the JCD said.