HM Customs Gibraltar carried out enhanced checks ahead of the recent international football matches involving FC Twente on Thursday 22 October and HNK Hajduk Split on Thursday 5 November, as part of efforts to prevent prohibited pyrotechnics from being brought into Gibraltar.

The operations, known as Operation PYRO, were put in place following intelligence suggesting that visiting football supporters could attempt to bring items such as flares and smoke bombs into Gibraltar for use during the matches.

HM Customs officers increased checks at the pedestrian channels. A dedicated search area was set up in the area of the border to assist officers with the operation. Notices were displayed to inform the public and visiting supporters of the additional checks, while information was also provided in both English and the visiting teams' national languages.

An amnesty arrangement was introduced to allow supporters to voluntarily hand over any pyrotechnic items they might be carrying, providing an opportunity for these items to be surrendered before entering Gibraltar.

The operations were carried out during the periods leading up to the fixtures, with officers using available intelligence to help identify incoming supporters and focus checks where they were considered necessary.

HM Customs' increased presence in the area of the border, together with the targeted searches being carried out, has played an important role in deterring supporters from bringing these prohibited items into Gibraltar.

HM Customs would also like to thank members of the public and visiting supporters for their patience and cooperation during the additional checks.

These operations form part of HM Customs Gibraltar's ongoing work to prevent prohibited and potentially dangerous items from entering the territory. Through effective intelligence-led operations, teamwork and continued vigilance, HM Customs remains committed to keeping Gibraltar safe during major sporting events.