GNR arrests six in Gaia tobacco smuggling operation

The Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) arrested six suspects in Vila Nova de Gaia during an operation targeting tobacco smuggling. The operation resulted in the seizure of 2,218,520 cigarettes, 1,500 euros in cash, seven mobile phones, and one vehicle.

During the intervention in Vilar do Paraíso, authorities intercepted a light goods vehicle carrying a significant quantity of tobacco. A subsequent attempt by a second vehicle to flee led to a collision with a GNR vehicle, causing minor injuries to a military officer and one suspect. Both were treated and discharged from the hospital the same day. The estimated unpaid tax on the seized tobacco, including VAT and tobacco tax, is approximately 342,600 euros. The six suspects, aged between 19 and 58, have been summoned to the Judicial Court of Vila Nova de Gaia.