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

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

• Six people, of different nationalities, arrested who were in the warehouse used to manufacture the sting

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 a production center illegal tobacco cutting in Villarrubia (Córdoba).

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

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

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

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

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

The investigators were able to verify that the raw material came from Bangladesh, as indicated on the labeling of several drawers where it was stored.

The seized merchandise, which lacked the relevant health controls and permits, would have an approximate value of 185,000 euros, taking into account that its value doubles once it is chopped and sold on the clandestine market through internet pages.

Once the investigation procedures were completed, both the six detainees and the seized substance have been placed at the disposal of the Judicial Authority, thus dismantling this tobacco manufacturing and distribution network.