In recent years, the Customs Service has registered increased smuggling and customs clearance of empty alcohol bottles. Additionally, plastic caps and counterfeit labels of world-famous spirits were smuggled. This development raises serious concerns that illegal bottling, production and sale of spirit drinks intended to be genuine goods are taking place.
- Unfortunately, we only have to issue a new warning about alcohol counterfeiting, only six months from the last time. Recent seizures give additional cause for concern, while entering the 'Rus' and summer seasons, with an associated high level of festive activity. It is important for everyone, regardless of age, to understand that it is not safe to buy or drink illegal alcohol. Although the product looks original, its content may be life and health-threatening. This is what customs director Øystein Børmer warns of.
Customs recently discovered suspicious isopropanol imports
The agency suspects that the alcohol that fills the bottles is being cleared in Norway and is incorrectly declared as other liquid goods. Customs has recently discovered a suspicious import of isopropanol, which is a toxic alcohol used as a solvent, incl. in disinfectants and glass cleaner. Based on the possible connection with the smuggling of empty bottles, the Customs Service believes that it is necessary to warn against illegal and harmful alcohol.
Isopropanol itself is very harmful to health
Research by the agency shows that isopropanol can be purified by distillation. Due to this action, ordinary alcohol is released. At the same time, there is a high risk that the process will not remove harmful substances. Isopropanol itself is very harmful to health, and distillation often uses other harmful substances that are added to the end product. Which is a serious threat to life and health.
Source: toll.no
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