A 30-year-old man from Vilnius was caught by the State Border Guard Service (VSAT) for smuggling cigarettes after just three months since his last arrest. On Thursday afternoon, while checking a car on the major highway Vilnius-Kaunas, VSAT officers discovered 6,000 packs of 'NZ Gold' cigarettes with Belarusian stamps hidden in the vehicle he was driving. The total estimated value of these illegally transported cigarettes, including the taxes required in Lithuania, amounts to nearly 30,000 euros.

This incident marks the second time this individual has faced legal trouble for smuggling. Previously, he was caught in December of last year when he was found with over 6,000 packs of Belarusian cigarettes in a different vehicle. The fact that he resumed smuggling activities before the court made a decision on his previous case raises concerns about ongoing criminal behavior and the effectiveness of penalties for such offenses.

The continued illegal smuggling of cigarettes not only undermines legal businesses but also affects public health and safety due to the unregulated nature of these products. The VSAT, in collaboration with local police, is determined to combat smuggling activities and enforce the law to prevent further incidents like this, illustrating the ongoing battle against organized crime in the region.