Gang trafficking contraband cigarettes detained in Latvia; drugs and weapons also found
A structural unit of the State Revenue Service has detained two men who have been illegally distributing tobacco products in Latvia for an extended period. Raids have resulted in the seizure of hundreds of thousands of cigarettes bearing excise marks, cocaine, bullets, and components for explosives.
Gang trafficking contraband cigarettes detained in Latvia; drugs and weapons also found
Two men who have been illegally trading tobacco products on Latvian territory for an extended period have been detained during operational measures. Law enforcement officers apprehended them at the moment when criminal activity involving contraband goods was taking place.
Investigators have established that these two were part of a larger group that for a prolonged period had been purchasing, storing, and selling illegal tobacco products in large quantities. Such activity was carried out across the entire territory of the country.
During searches, law enforcement officers seized 452,320 cigarette packets without state excise marks. Additionally, 2,439 packages containing electronic cigarettes, 236 fluid bottles for these devices, and 19 sets containing both a device and fluid were discovered.
Furthermore, four bags of cocaine, 160 bullets or similar objects, a case intended for a firearm, and components that could be assembled into an explosive device were confiscated. All illegal goods will be destroyed following expert assessment.
The detainees have been subjected to security measures that do not include detention. Both have been officially recognised as suspects.
The criminal investigation into the illegal storage, transportation, and sale of tobacco products in large volumes by a group of persons continues. Experts are working with prosecutors to effectively advance the case further.
It should be recalled that under the law a person is considered innocent until such time as a court proves their guilt.
Article based on: Apollo.lv — https://www.apollo.lv/8493677/aiztureti-noziedziga-grupejuma-dalibnieki-policija-konfisce-cigaretes-bez-akcizes-markam-kokainu-un-municiju
Source: Google News LV — Crime (lv)