Customs officers have been completely cleared of ‘alleged criminality’ and there will be no disciplinary action taken against any officer.

An internal inquiry has found no evidence of ‘misconduct’ by any Customs officers following a police investigation last year, which saw a number of Customs officers taken in for questioning. The criminal investigation was dropped.

It is still not clear why the police investigation was launched — but it is understood that relations between the agencies have been severely strained.

Deputy Andrew Lewis, Assistant Minister for Home Affairs, told the States yesterday: ‘I am very pleased that the Customs and Immigration officers have been exonerated of any wrongdoing — and to avoid any possible doubt I wish to place it on public record that I have full confidence in the honesty, integrity, ability and professionalism of the Customs and Immigration service and its officers.’