On Wednesday, an extensive operation targeting the production and sale of counterfeit hand-rolled cigarettes took place in multiple municipalities across Minas Gerais, including Belo Horizonte, Lassance, Martinho Campos, Pará de Minas, and Sete Lagoas. This operation, named Dolos, was coordinated by the local police departments of Pirapora and Várzea da Palma, highlighting a significant police effort to crack down on illegal tobacco products in the region.

According to the Minas Gerais Civil Police (PCMG), the counterfeit hand-rolled cigarettes were being sold in the northern part of the state under misleading packaging that resembled that of legitimate brands. This deceptive marketing practice not only confuses consumers but also leads to substantial financial losses for authorized manufacturers in the area. The police investigation revealed that this scheme was significantly harming the economic interests of lawful tobacco producers.

During the execution of search warrants related to the operation, officers seized multiple boxes of counterfeit hand-rolled cigarettes, along with the raw materials and equipment used in their production. All these items will undergo forensic examination to aid in the ongoing investigation. This crackdown serves as a crucial step in protecting both consumers and legitimate businesses affected by the illicit tobacco trade.