Lithuanian authorities seize tens of thousands of illegal cigarettes in joint operation

A large-scale law enforcement operation across Lithuania last weekend resulted in the confiscation of nearly 40,000 packs of illegal cigarettes and other contraband goods, the Police Department reported Friday.

The joint operation, initiated by the Ministry of the Interior and coordinated by the Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau, involved over 300 officers from the police, State Border Guard Service, Customs Criminal Service, and Financial Crime Investigation Service. Checks were conducted at 265 marketplaces and public trading sites nationwide on April 11.

In addition to the cigarettes, authorities uncovered illegal alcohol, pharmaceuticals, narcotics, counterfeit branded clothing, and an air pistol. The operation led to 104 administrative cases and four pre-trial investigations for violations.

The crackdown targeted the illicit trade of excise goods, with 279 police officers, 10 customs officials, 11 financial crime investigators, and six border guards participating in the raids.