Daugavpils police find over 15,000 illegal cigarettes at elderly woman's premises
State Police in Daugavpils seized 15,340 illegal cigarettes during a premises inspection, launching a criminal case against a woman born in 1954.
Officers from the State Police's Latgale Regional Administration, South Latgale unit, carried out a premises inspection in Daugavpils on September 15, following up on operational information about illegal trade in excise goods. During the search, a large quantity of cigarettes was discovered and seized — 15,340 in total.
The seized cigarettes included 9,200 "Marlboro" cigarettes without Latvian state excise stamps, along with 5,660 "NZ Gold" and 480 "Queen Superslims" cigarettes bearing excise stamps from the Republic of Belarus.
Criminal case opened
In connection with the discovery, the State Police opened a criminal case under Section 221, Part One of the Criminal Law, covering the illegal manufacture, storage, transport, or sale of tobacco products in a significant amount. The status of person against whom criminal proceedings have been initiated was applied to a woman born in 1954.
The law provides for punishment of such an offense ranging from imprisonment of up to two years, short-term imprisonment, probationary supervision, community service, or a fine.
The State Police reminds the public that a person is not considered guilty until proven so through the procedure established by law.
