Polish authorities dismantle illegal tobacco production sites

Polish authorities have dismantled two major illegal tobacco production operations, uncovering significant quantities of untaxed products and machinery.

In the Nowy Tomyśl district, the Central Investigation Bureau of Police and the Border Guard discovered an illegal tobacco cutting facility. Officials seized over 6.5 tons of tobacco shreds, more than 0.5 tons of smoking tobacco, and a complete production line including a cutting machine, scales, and a drum dryer. Two Polish citizens, aged 33 and 38, were arrested and placed in temporary detention. The potential loss to the state treasury from unpaid excise duty and VAT is estimated at nearly 9 million PLN.

In a separate operation in the Nidzica district, Customs and Tax Service officers uncovered another illegal facility. This raid resulted in the seizure of 13 tons of tobacco shreds, 51 kilograms of smoking tobacco, and 3,000 cigarettes lacking Polish excise markings. Authorities also confiscated production machinery. This operation is estimated to have caused potential losses to the state treasury exceeding 16.4 million PLN. One individual was detained during this investigation.