A man was detained in Trakai after a significant quantity of Belarusian cigarettes was found in his vehicle during a police stop.
On Monday, the Police Department reported that a significant haul of cigarettes was detected around 8 PM in a Volkswagen Passat on Aukštadvario Street. The driver, a man born in 1978, had 4,500 packs of "Minsk Capital QS" cigarettes and 1,500 packs of "NZ Gold" in the car. The total value of the cigarettes exceeds €20,000 but is under €45,000, leading to his detention.
The discovery of these cigarettes raises concerns regarding the illegal trade of tobacco products, particularly those originating from Belarus. The authorities are now investigating the source of these cigarettes and whether they are part of a larger smuggling operation. This incident reflects ongoing issues with cross-border cigarette smuggling in the region of the Baltic States.
The man has been placed in custody while a pre-trial investigation is underway for illegal possession of excise goods. This case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating the illicit tobacco trade, which not only affects economic policies but also public health.
