Lithuanian border guards arrest seven people, including three officials, in smuggling sting

Lithuanian border guards conducted a major operation on Monday, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals, including three officials, in connection with a tobacco smuggling investigation.

The operation, led by the Kaunas County Prosecutor's Office, involved multiple units of the State Border Guard Service (VSAT). In the Lazdijai district, authorities intercepted a shipment of 22 boxes of Belarusian cigarettes allegedly delivered via drone from Belarus. Two individuals attempting to collect the cargo were detained, followed by the arrest of two former junior specialists from the Kapčiamestis border outpost.

Simultaneously, officers in Valkininkai detained two suspects believed to have organized the smuggling. The operation concluded on Monday morning in Varėna with the arrest of a senior investigator from the Varėna border squad. This incident is part of an ongoing investigation into the illegal disposal of excise goods. This year, four officials have faced corruption charges following investigations by the VSAT Immunity Department.