I assume with "carton" you mean 12 packets? So a total of 24 packets of cigarettes?
In Singapore the fine would have been SGD500 per pack. Or SGD12,000 (USD8,600) for 2 cartons.

A lesson learned. Travelers should always make themselves aware of local goods import laws (you normally find them inside the inflight magazines too). Just like how in Asia travelling around with a fake Chanel bag doesn't raise an eyebrow, don't try doing so at CDG.

Yes, they can be lenient, but they dont need to be.