Latvian customs seize large cigarette shipment hidden in carrots

Latvian customs officials at the Grebnevo checkpoint on the border with Russia have intercepted a large shipment of smuggled cigarettes hidden within a cargo of fresh carrots. Following a risk analysis, authorities conducted a physical inspection of the vehicle and discovered double compartments built into the bottom of the cardboard boxes.

In total, 42,640 packs of brands including ‘Queen Menthol’, ‘Queen Superslims’, and ‘NZ Black’ were seized. The cigarettes bore Belarusian excise tax stamps, with an estimated unpaid tax value of approximately 250,000 euros.

A criminal process has been initiated regarding large-scale smuggling. One individual has been detained and placed in custody while a pre-trial investigation continues.