Lithuanian police dismantle organised cigarette smuggling ring

Lithuanian police have detained two key members of an organised criminal group suspected of smuggling and distributing contraband cigarettes, following a large-scale operation involving 24 raids, the Police Department reported Thursday.

The Utena County Chief Police Commissariat launched two pre-trial investigations earlier this year targeting individuals allegedly coordinating the illegal transport and sale of untaxed tobacco products. On May 12, authorities apprehended two men—born in 1978 and 1981—believed to have orchestrated a network of distribution points for contraband cigarettes in Ignalina town and district.

During Wednesday’s operation, officers conducted simultaneous searches across Ignalina, Vilnius, Trakai, Lentvaris, and Švenčionys district. Investigators seized roughly 10,000 packs of smuggled cigarettes with a customs value exceeding €42,000, along with an illegally held firearm, ammunition, and other evidence.

Both suspects, previously convicted for crimes including excise tax evasion, face charges of organising smuggling operations. One also stands accused of illegal firearm possession. Authorities have not ruled out further arrests, suggesting the network may extend beyond those already detained.