Officers from the VSAT Criminal Investigation Department, collaborating with personnel from the Special Operations Department “Kovas” in the Eastern District of Białystok, conducted an inspection that resulted in the seizure of contraband. The operation focused on a cargo van, a Renault Master, which was stopped in the village of Białowieża, near the town of Kowno. The vehicle was being operated by a 54-year-old resident of the Vilnius district.
During the search of the cargo compartment, border guards discovered forty cardboard boxes containing various types of cigarettes, specifically Winston Blue and Marlboro Gold. These cigarettes were found to lack the required excise stamps. Preliminary estimates suggest that the total quantity of undeclared cigarettes amounted to approximately 20,000 packs.
Approximately one hour later, the scope of the investigation expanded in Vilnius. VSAT officers detained a VW Passat vehicle and two individuals at a gas station located on J. Tyszkiewicza street.
The detained persons were identified as a 28-year-old resident of the Shatyninkai district and a 36-year-old resident of the Vilnius district. Authorities suspect that the two arrests are connected to the initial investigation concerning the illegal transport of the cigarettes found in the van. The ongoing investigation aims to determine the full extent of the illicit trade network involved in the movement of these goods across the region.
Topics: #district #cigarettes #van
The collaboration between the two departments appears to have successfully intercepted a significant amount of contraband.