Operation of the Tax Agency

• Six people arrested for their alleged involvement in the events

• The value of the seized goods 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 of the Customs Surveillance Operational Unit of Seville discovered a warehouse in the town of Salteras, where more than 11,000 kilos of tobacco were being stored, as well as machines and cardboard for making cigarettes.

As the investigation progressed, it was possible to locate the point where the tobacco was processed and packaged, which was transported by truck from different countries to the province of Seville.

Already in December, as a result of surveillance carried out, investigators observed a van leaving the chopping centre and intercepted it 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 organisation identified, entry and search of the property was ordered by the Investigating Court No. 5 of Sanlúcar la Mayor.

During the raid, more than 13 tons of tobacco were seized, as well as all the machinery necessary for its processing, shotgun ammunition and various documents. In addition, another 2,500 kilos of tobacco were seized from another warehouse used as a storage facility.

For these events, six individuals have been arrested so far and, together with the seized merchandise and effects, they have been placed at the disposal of the Judicial Authority.