Officers of the Northern Latgale Division of the State Police in the Preiļi municipality uncovered illegal production of alcoholic beverages in significant volumes. During a sanctioned search, homemade alcoholic beverages, raw materials and equipment for their production, as well as ammunition and cigarettes without excise stamps were seized from a man born in 1977. A criminal process has been initiated in connection with the incident, and a pre-trial investigation is ongoing.
In January of this year, a criminal process was initiated in the Investigation Department of the Northern Latgale Division of the State Police of the Latgale Region under the signs of part one of Article 221.2 of the Criminal Law — for the illegal production and storage of alcoholic beverages in significant volumes.
The State Police had operational information that a man born in 1977 might be engaged in the illegal production and storage of alcoholic beverages in significant volumes in the territory serviced by the Northern Latgale Division.
On February 12, 2026, acting on operational information and conducting a sanctioned search in the Rušona parish of the Preiļi municipality, officers of the Investigation Department of the Northern Latgale Division of the State Police discovered and seized fourteen 16-gauge cartridges, three air rifles, 124 cigarettes without excise stamps, as well as a significant amount of illegally produced alcoholic beverages and items related to their production. In particular, 17 liters of moonshine, 60 liters of mash, and 20 liters of homemade wine were seized, along with raw materials and equipment for alcohol production.
In connection with the incident, a pre-trial investigation is ongoing, during which all circumstances of the event will be established and the responsibility of the individual will be assessed.
The criminal process has also been qualified under part two of Article 233 of the Criminal Law — for the production, repair, acquisition, storage, carrying, transportation, mailing, or sale of firearms, their essential parts, ammunition, high-powered pneumatic weapons, explosives, or explosive devices without the appropriate permission.
Law enforcement agencies urge residents to report to the police any cases where there are suspicions of illegal circulation of excise goods or other crimes.
The State Police reminds that no person is considered guilty until their guilt in committing a crime is proven in the established legal manner.
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