More than 10 tonnes of contraband Chinese cigarettes together with weapons have been seized on the premises of a forwarder in Vitrolles, suburban Marseilles.

The goods, concealed in a container from China, had a commercial value estimated at more than EUR€3.6 million (US$4.8 million) and were meant to be sold locally, judging by the officially mandated French health warnings.

Customs declined to identify the forwarder but said four were arrested and charged, with two remanded in custody.

The investigation also led to the seizure of more than 11,500 pairs of fake Nike and Converse brand shoes in a raid on a warehouse in the Nantes area in western France.