Customs officials are contending with bus drivers from mainland Europe who attempt to smuggle sausages and drinks into the country.
MBL reports that the buses arrive in Seyðisfjörður by the Norræna ferry from mainland Europe. Closer examination shows that the drivers may not be aware that they are doing anything wrong.
Árni Elísson, a customs official in Seyðisfjörður, told reporters, “It’s a big tradition amongst Germans to have food and drink for sale on these buses. This is, however, illegal in Iceland.”
These drivers will often sell things such as sausages, or alcoholic beverages, as they are accustomed to doing on the mainland.
“This has been a problem of growing concern,” Árni said. “It’s a custom in Europe, especially in Germany, for bus drivers to sell drinks and food on the bus. When they come here, they find out that this isn’t allowed.”
Árni says that more often than not, the drivers simply do not know any better, and that most drivers and customs officials are able to settle the matter without a fuss. However, some drivers have made attempts to hide the food and drink before the ferry reaches land. Such attempts can be, and sometimes are, met with stiff penalties.
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