Smuggling of Cigarettes: The State Managed to Avoid Losses of 3.7 Million Euros 0 9

Fifteen criminal proceedings have been initiated regarding the facts of smuggling and other criminal acts related to the illegal circulation of excise goods. As a result of the activities of the State Border Guard, 42,726,734 cigarettes and 21,172 kilograms of tobacco have been seized.

On Friday, February 13, a meeting was held at the College of the State Border Guard to assess the results of the service's activities for 2025.

The head of the State Border Guard, Guntis Pujats, reported that last year the cooperation between the State Border Guard and the National Armed Forces (NAF) continued in the field of armament and logistics, including the transition to NAF uniforms. In cooperation with the NAF, the transition to NAF uniforms began in 2025, with about 55% of the new-style uniforms and their elements received.

The head of the State Border Guard noted that during the reporting period, there was increased pressure from illegal migration at the Latvian-Belarusian border.

During the meeting, he emphasized that in 2025, the State Border Guard ensured active participation in joint operations organized by Frontex and developed the capacity for maritime border surveillance by acquiring the patrol vessel "Bārta."

Informing about the priorities for activities in 2026, the head of the State Border Guard emphasized that this year, enhanced security measures will continue at the state border of Latvia and Belarus, and support will be provided for the construction of border infrastructure in cooperation with the State Agency "Valsts nekustamie īpašumi" and the State Agency "Latvijas Valsts radio un televīzijas centrs."

In 2026, it is planned to intensify the fight against illegal immigration and smuggling at the "green" border, continue the implementation of activities related to the Migration and Asylum Pact, and ensure further development and improvement of information systems.