Police seize 140,000 cigarettes after train crew’s alleged smuggling

Latvian police have detained two Belarusian citizens, a train driver and his assistant, on suspicion of large-scale smuggling, LSM reported. The men allegedly threw several packages of illegal cigarettes from a moving train on November 4.

Police seized 140,000 NZ Gold cigarettes bearing Belarusian excise stamps. Investigators found that the packages were thrown from a train that had entered the city of Daugavpils from Belarus.

On November 6, police said they would ask a court to order a custodial security measure for both detainees. Criminal proceedings have been launched over suspected smuggling on a large scale or by an organised group.

If convicted, the offence carries a possible prison sentence of up to 10 years, with or without confiscation of property. Additional penalties may include probation supervision for up to three years and a ban of up to five years on certain commercial activities, occupations or positions.