During an operation against the trade of illegal cigarettes, the police in Daugavpils discovered a large batch of smuggled goods, two gas pistols, and an illegal connection to television. One of the suspects has been arrested.
The State Police detained two men born in 1976 and 1978 in Daugavpils on suspicion of trading in illegal cigarettes.
During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement officers discovered several packs of cigarettes — a total of 40,760 cigarettes with Belarusian excise stamps and some without any excise stamps at all.
After that, the police continued procedural actions and conducted additional checks. The man born in 1978 was found with two gas pistols.
In addition, police officers uncovered an illegal connection to television.
Such cases show that illegal cigarette trading is often accompanied by other violations — from illegal possession of weapons to the use of pirated services.
At the request of the police, the court applied a measure of restraint in the form of arrest to the man born in 1976. The investigation considers him a participant in an organized criminal group.
In Latgale, and especially in border regions, cigarette smuggling remains one of the most widespread shadow schemes. Most often, it involves products with Belarusian excise stamps, which are then distributed in the domestic market of Latvia.
A criminal process has been initiated in the case under the article on illegal turnover of tobacco products in large quantities or as part of an organized group.
Such a crime can lead to a penalty of up to five years of imprisonment, as well as confiscation of property.
