Raid in Saxony-Anhalt: 950,000 untrained cigarettes discovered!

Raid in Saxony-Anhalt: 950,000 untrained cigarettes discovered!

In a remarkable use, Dresden customs investigators carried out a comprehensive raid in Saxony-Anhalt. Around 950,000 untrained cigarettes were secured during the searches that extended to a bakery, an apartment and a three -sided courtyard. This campaign, which took place on behalf of the Halle/Saale public prosecutor, aims to smash alleged illegal trade structures that exist since at least 2019. A 58-year-old man, his partner and her three adult children are suspected. It is believed that they are involved in the trade in cigarettes from Eastern Europe and a total of around 1.6 million illegal cigarettes could be in the room.

The estimated tax damage amounts to at least 258,240 euros. In addition to the cigarettes, cash, various weapons and electronic evidence were also ensured. A random find of three motorcycles that were registered as stolen, including a Harley Davidson, was particularly important. The main suspect was arrested as part of this extensive investigation and is in custody. The investigation by the public prosecutor's office in Halle/Saale and the Dresden customs investigation office continues to be underway to clarify the background and other participants, such as t-online.de reported.

effects and other context

The raid in Saxony-Anhalt is part of a wider effort by the customs authorities to stop illegal trade in tobacco products and e-cigarettes in Germany. A current case that made headlines in 2024 concerns extensive investigations due to the import of at least 400,000 untrained and fake e-cigarettes from China. At that time there were searches in several federal states and the Netherlands, in which over 30,000 illegal e-cigarettes and cash were ensured, which indicates damage of over one million euros. The investigation is headed by the Cologne public prosecutor's office and include hidden measures that began in June 2023, such as Zoll.de

These operations underline the challenges in front of which the authorities are facing the illegal market for tobacco products. Substitutes for tobacco products in Germany have been taxable since July 1, 2022, and there are strict regulations for e-cigarettes. Tobacco tax has been 0.20 euros per milliliter since 2024, and the sale of e-cigarettes with a volume of more than two milliliters is not permitted. The so -called "blow against cigarette mafia" shows the determination of the German customs authorities to take hard measures against illegal trade and to maintain public health standards.