• The operation resulted in the seizure of 157 kilos of loose tobacco, a shredding machine, containers for distributing tobacco, several scales and other packaging tools.

April 1, 2026. Customs Surveillance of the Tax Agency and the Civil Guard, in a joint operation, have arrested one person and investigated three others for smuggling loose tobacco in the town of Riba-roja de Turia. The operation resulted in the seizure of 157 kilos of minced meat.

Operation 'Piquete' began in 2025, when Customs Surveillance officials of the Tax Agency became aware that packages containing illegal tobacco were being sent to various provinces across Spain.

The agents in charge of the investigation, after various inquiries, managed to locate the address where the tobacco leaf was crushed before being sent via parcel service. Following the appropriate authorization, a house in the town of Riba-roja de Turia was entered and searched. During the search, 157 kilos of loose tobacco, a shredding machine, containers for distributing tobacco, several scales and other packaging utensils were seized.

In addition, a 36-year-old man of Spanish nationality was arrested and three people between 25 and 49 years of age of Colombian (one woman) and Spanish (two men) nationality were investigated for a smuggling offense.

In addition to the 157 kilos seized in the operation, investigators also attribute to the criminal organization the shipment, through parcels, during 2025, of a total of more than 430 kilos of loose tobacco, divided into small packages, which were seized.

The investigation has been carried out by Customs Surveillance officials of the Tax Agency in Valencia and by agents of the Fiscal and Border Analysis and Investigation Unit.

The proceedings were delivered to the Civil and Instruction Section of the Court of Llíria.