Polish police dismantle illegal cigarette factory

Polish authorities, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBŚP) and officers from Szamotuły, have dismantled an illegal cigarette factory operating in rented warehouse halls in the Wołów district. The operation resulted in the arrest of 20 individuals, including 14 Paraguayan citizens and four Polish citizens.

The investigation began in early October following a truck inspection near Szamotuły, where nearly 10 million cigarettes without excise stamps were discovered. This led investigators to the production site, where they caught the group during active manufacturing.

In total, law enforcement seized approximately 14.6 million cigarettes, over 8.5 tons of tobacco leaf, several pallets of semi-finished products, and a complete technological production and packaging line. Authorities estimate that if the goods had reached the market, the state would have lost more than 31 million PLN in unpaid taxes. All detainees have been charged with participating in an organized criminal group and tax crimes, and have been placed under temporary arrest.