Operation of the Tax Agency

• Six people arrested for their alleged connection to the events

• The value of the seized merchandise exceeds 2 million euros

December 22, 2023.- The Customs Surveillance Service of the Tax Agency has dismantled a criminal organization dedicated to the manufacture and distribution of large quantities of contraband tobacco.

The operation, called 'Viking', began in March, when agents from the Customs Surveillance Operational Unit of Seville discovered a warehouse in the town of Salteras, where more than 11,000 kilos of tobacco, as well as machines, were being stored. and cardboard for the production of cigarettes.

With the progress of the investigations, it was possible to locate the point where the tobacco was processed and packaged, which was transported in trucks from different countries to the province of Seville.

Already in the month of December and as a result of the surveillance carried out, investigators observed a van that left the cutting center and was intercepted in the town of Benalmádena with 500 kilos of chopped tobacco.

Final phase of the operation

Once all the evidence was gathered and the members of the organization were identified, the entry and search of the property was ordered by the Investigative Court No. 5 of Sanlúcar la Mayor.

In the search carried out, more than 13 tons of tobacco were seized, as well as all the machinery necessary for its processing, shotgun ammunition and various documentation. In addition, another 2,500 kilos of tobacco were seized in another warehouse used as a warehouse.

Due to these events, six individuals have been arrested for the moment and, along with the merchandise and effects seized, have been placed at the disposal of the Judicial Authority.