Latvian police raid illegal tobacco warehouse in Riga

The Latvian State Police have uncovered an additional warehouse in Riga used for the illegal production and distribution of tobacco products. The facility was rented by a company registered in Lithuania, which investigators believe was established specifically to serve the needs of an organized criminal group.

During a raid conducted on August 25, authorities seized 409 pallets containing materials for packaging various brands of tobacco products, including blocks and packet preparations, as well as manufacturer QR code stickers. Equipment used for moving pallets was also confiscated. The materials found match items seized in previous raids related to the same criminal network.

Investigators describe the organized group as highly professional, noting they used strategic goods designed to evade detection and counter surveillance. Currently, 16 individuals are being held as suspects in the ongoing criminal proceedings regarding illegal tobacco manufacturing and smuggling.