• 2,650 kilos of raw material for the production of chopped tobacco were seized, as well as machinery for chopping, packaging and weighing

• The seized product, originating in Bangladesh, would have a value of 185,000 euros

• Six people of different nationalities who were in the warehouse used to manufacture the tobacco smoke were arrested

November 30, 2023.- Customs Surveillance officials from the Tax Agency in Córdoba, in a joint operation with agents from the National Police in Écija (Seville), have dismantled an illegal tobacco production center in Villarrubia (Córdoba).

The operation began on November 20, when investigations revealed that there was an illegal tobacco factory in the vicinity of Córdoba, which is why a roadside control device was established.

As a result of this control, a suspicious van was detected and followed by investigators, who observed how it entered a warehouse.

Prior to entering the warehouse, the vehicle had carried out a series of counter-surveillance and security measures to ensure that it was not being followed, an attitude that confirmed the suspicions of the officials that it could be the illegal factory that they were trying to locate.

As a result, the warehouse was inspected and 2,650 kilos of tobacco leaves for cutting were found, as well as two new grinders, a scale and a sealer, as well as packaging material.

In addition to the two people who arrived in the van, there were four other individuals inside the warehouse, who were presumably going to start chopping the raw material (chopped tobacco leaves), since they were transporting two new choppers in the van.

The researchers were able to confirm that the raw material came from Bangladesh, as indicated on the labels of several boxes where it was stored.

The seized goods, which lacked the relevant health controls and permits, are valued at approximately 185,000 euros, taking into account that their value doubles once they are chopped up and sold on the black market through internet sites.

Once the investigation was completed, both the six detainees and the seized substance were placed at the disposal of the Judicial Authority, thus dismantling this network for the manufacture and distribution of cut tobacco.