Riga police dismantle illegal full-cycle cigarette factory

Tax and Customs Police, supported by the State Police, have dismantled a fully equipped, full-cycle illegal cigarette factory in Riga. This marks the second such facility discovered in a short period, following a similar raid in Grobiņa in late June.

During the operation, authorities found the production machinery in active use. Although several individuals attempted to flee, 18 illegally employed persons—primarily citizens of Ukraine and Moldova—were detained and placed under arrest. The facility included sleeping quarters for the workers.

The site was outfitted with complete production technology, including tobacco shredders, dryers, cutters, quality control devices, and two separate production lines for standard and slim cigarettes. Police also seized large quantities of tobacco, filters, packaging materials, and counterfeit Belarusian excise stamps used to produce fake versions of brands such as Marlboro and Winston.