“Factory” for the production of contraband cigaretteswhere two full production, processing and packaging lines were installed, were identified, in Lakkoma, Halkidiki, by police officers of the Kilkis Security, proceeding to arrest 30 people, alleged to be members of a ring that was systematically active in the illegal production and distribution of tobacco products.

In addition to the preparation room, the circuit also had two warehouses: the first in Lakkoma and the second in Kalochori Thessaloniki. In total, more than 500,000 contraband packs of cigarettes and 20 tons of processed tobacco were seized, with the evaded duties estimated at 2.5 million euros. They were confiscated also machines, raw materials for the production of cigarettes, trucks for the transport of contraband tobacco products, etc.

According to information, among those arrested are three citizens who are attributed a leading role in the activity of the ring. The remaining 27 arrested are foreigners and it seems that they worked at the manufacturing plant where, in fact, they lived in specially designed dormitories.

Police investigations into the case began four months ago and culminated in the previous 24 hours, when the arrests were made. All those arrested are expected to be brought to the Prosecutor’s Office of Thessaloniki.