1.5 million illegal cigarettes and surveillance equipment found in Riga; Lithuanian citizen arrested
Workers from Latvia's law enforcement agencies have discovered 1.5 million illegal cigarettes and surveillance equipment in a Riga warehouse. A Lithuanian citizen has been detained as a result of the operation.
1.5 million illegal cigarettes and surveillance equipment found in Riga; Lithuanian citizen arrested
Latvia's tax and customs police announced on Friday the discovery of a large-scale smuggling operation in Riga. Officials found 1.5 million illegally imported cigarettes, as well as specialised surveillance equipment, in a warehouse in the country's capital. One Lithuanian citizen was detained during the operation.
Investigators believe the illegal tobacco products were being stored for subsequent sale. The scale of the contraband points to a well-organised scheme involving multiple participants. The surveillance equipment found could have been used to monitor the surrounding area and detect unexpected visits from law enforcement agencies.
Latvian officials are continuing their investigation to identify all persons involved in the crime. Possible links with international smuggling groups operating in the Baltic region are being examined.
The detained Lithuanian citizen is currently under police supervision. The possible charges are related to the storage and distribution of illegal tobacco products, which cause substantial losses to the state budget.
Information provided by news portal 15min.lt.
Source: 15min