Organized Illegal Cigarette Production Group Halted in Zemgale; Millions of Cigarettes and Weapons Seized
Latvian State Police have stopped an organized group producing and selling illegal cigarettes in Zemgale. Seized items include 12.8 million cigarettes, weapons, manufacturing equipment, and a luxury car. Two suspects arrested, third wanted.
The State Police have dismantled an organized criminal group involved in the production and sale of illegal cigarettes without excise stamps in the Zemgale region. The operation resulted in the seizure of goods worth millions of euros, along with weapons and production equipment.
A total of 12.8 million cigarettes were seized, packaged in "Winston," "NZ," and "Marlboro" wrappers, along with four pallets of raw materials, communication devices, and video surveillance equipment. Additionally, five firearms with ammunition were found. A luxury BMW X6 car and several high-value properties were also confiscated.
Two men, born in 1960 and 1967, have been arrested. A third suspect, born in 1975, is currently wanted. Searches were conducted in the Bauska area, where manufacturing equipment and several vehicles were seized.
Indulis Blīgzna, head of the Zemgale Regional Police, stated that this was a long-term organized operation. He noted that the seized cigarettes were intended for the Latvian market, but further details will be available after the pre-trial investigation.
Police estimates indicate that unpaid taxes exceed five million euros. Authorities will also examine whether the suspects' lifestyles match their declared incomes to prove proceeds of crime.
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been released.
