19 scooters smuggled across the border in Ticino in a van

The scooters had Swiss license plates, the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) announced on Friday. They were intended for resale on Swiss soil following restoration.

The seizure took place last week on the highway in Ticino heading north, at a rest area between Riva San Vitale and Capolago, the communiqué continues.

The goods had already been rejected at the Pizzamiglio border crossing on the same day, as they were considered to be merchandise. However, the driver, a 43-year-old Kosovan citizen, had not followed the instructions of the officials and re-entered Switzerland. He had to pay a fine of several thousand francs and clear the goods through customs, according to the final statement.