Lithuanian police detain seven in Šalčininkai anti-smuggling operation

A large-scale law enforcement operation in the Lithuanian town of Šalčininkai has expanded to include the local police station, with sources telling public broadcaster LRT that at least seven people have been detained in connection with an alleged cigarette smuggling ring from Belarus.

Unnamed sources cited by LRT on Thursday reported that searches were conducted inside the Šalčininkai police commissariat as part of the operation. One detainee reportedly attempted to flee. Some of those held had prior arrest records, according to preliminary information.

The operation, led by Lithuania’s Criminal Police Bureau (LKPB), began early Tuesday when officers were seen at residential buildings and the district municipality offices. Witnesses described seeing a man and a woman removed from one apartment block, while a luxury Mercedes bearing the licence plate “3AKOH” was towed from the premises.

Unofficial reports suggest one detainee may be an officer from the State Border Guard Service (VSAT), with another linked to the Šalčininkai district municipality staff.

Local police chief Vladislav Travkin declined to comment, referring inquiries to the national Police Department. A communications officer there, Ramūnas Matonis, told LRT they had “no information” about the operation. LKPB spokesperson Jelena Sirgėdienė likewise stated that authorities were not yet prepared to discuss the case.