Central European illegal goods seizures

Authorities in Hungary and the Czech Republic have conducted operations to seize illegal e-cigarettes and counterfeit goods.

In Hungary, the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) seized 185 illegal electronic cigarettes in Bács-Kiskun County following a controlled purchase. The investigation led to the discovery of stock hidden in a residence. Legal proceedings have been initiated regarding excise tax offenses and budget fraud.

In the Czech Republic, customs officials have carried out several large-scale operations. In Prague and Hatě, authorities confiscated over 40,000 unmarked e-cigarette refills, 1,500 devices, and 1.2 million milliliters of liquid, representing an estimated excise tax loss exceeding nine million koruna. During vehicle inspections, officials also found dried plant matter containing cannabinoids, though THC levels were within legal limits. In Hatě, near Znojmo, officers seized 1,786 items, including footwear and handbags suspected of infringing on the intellectual property rights of brands such as Adidas, Nike, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. If confirmed as counterfeits, the goods' value could reach approximately 24 million koruna.

More recently, in Liberec, customs officers inspected two brick-and-mortar stores, discovering 770 e-cigarettes and refills, along with 50 nicotine pouches lacking valid tobacco tax stamps. Some items were found hidden in plastic food buckets. The seizure, valued at over 194,000 CZK, also led to the discovery of psychomodulatory substances, which have been handed over to the Police of the Czech Republic for investigation. Unpaid excise taxes for the Liberec seizure are estimated at 172,080 CZK.