Is the Confiscation of Smuggled Goods Mandatory?

Is the Confiscation of Smuggled Goods Mandatory?

Regardless of the nature of the goods—whether they are subject to customs duties, exempt, prohibited, or restricted—confiscation may become mandatory under the legal framework if the goods are generally prohibited from circulation.
In such cases, it becomes necessary for the judge to order the confiscation of the seized items as a preventive measure to protect public interest. The rights of individuals possessing the goods are not taken into consideration, as the confiscation pertains to the nature of the goods themselves, not to the individuals accused.