Police seize nearly 300,000 euros worth of smuggled cigarettes in Rokiškis

Police have seized nearly 55,000 smuggled cigarettes worth almost 300,000 euros during a search in Rokiškis district, LRT reported, citing the Utena County Chief Police Commissariat.

The cigarettes were found in a farm building, hidden among pellets and under tarpaulins. The seized brands included Marlboro Gold Original, Marlboro Touch Less Smell, Winston Blue, Kent Crystal, NZ Gold and Minsk 5 Superslims.

A person suspected of unlawfully possessing excise goods was detained during the operation. Police said the suspect had previously been convicted of a similar offence.

The operation was conducted by officers from the Economic Crime Investigation Division of the Utena County Chief Police Commissariat and other police units.

A pretrial investigation has been launched into the unlawful possession of excise goods. The suspect has been formally notified of the allegations and two preventive measures have been imposed.

The offence carries a prison sentence of up to eight years. The investigation is organised and supervised by a prosecutor from the Criminal Prosecution Division of the Panevėžys Regional Prosecutor’s Office.