Pavia, over 7 tons of contraband tobacco seized: truck discovered in industrial area.

An important operation by the military Provincial Command of the Guardia di Finanza of Pavia led to the seizure of a articulated lorry containing over 7 tons of contraband manufactured tobacco, material intended for the production of approximately 7 million counterfeit cigarettes.

The driver, a Polish citizen, was reported at large for aggravated smuggling e production of counterfeit brands.

The suspicious truck in the industrial area of ​​Certosa di Pavia and Borgarello

The vehicle had been parked for several days in an industrial area between Certosa di Pavia e Borgarello, a circumstance that had aroused the suspicions of the Fiamme Gialle.

During an initial external inspection, the military noticed traces of chopped tobacco on the ground and, through the trailer's tarpaulin, it was possible to glimpse the cargo.

Upon entering the interior, the Finance Police discovered the significant quantity of tobacco, cleverly hidden under a load of cover.

Among the seized material was also found necessary for the production of counterfeit cigarettes, bearing the brand of a well-known multinational in the sector.

Potential damage of over 2 million euros

The investigations estimated that the seized goods would have generated a illicit income exceeding 2 million euros, considering the current value of the packages in the black market.

In addition to the significant financial damage resulting from theevasion of excise tax, the operation prevented the placing on the market of products that did not meet the safety requirements set by the legislation.

The immediate investigations allowed us to quickly identify the owner of the articulated lorry in the Polish citizen now reported, held responsible for the transportation and storage of illicit tobacco.

Tax and consumer health protection

The operation not only prevented huge damage to the Treasury, but also contributed to the consumer protection, since failure to comply with the rules on the production and storage of cigarettes further increases the risks already associated with tobacco consumption.