Officers of the Customs and Tax Service from the Lower Silesian Customs and Tax Office in Wrocław, together with police officers from the County Police Headquarters in Zgorzelec, carried out an operation targeting the illegal trade in excise goods and goods infringing intellectual property rights. The operation was conducted in Bogatynia.
During searches of two garages, officers, assisted by a service dog trained to detect tobacco products, found cigarettes without Polish excise stamps. Inspections also covered a retail outlet and the adjacent area, where further illegal tobacco products were discovered.
During the operation, a significant quantity of products bearing counterfeit trademarks was also seized. These included household chemicals, electronic accessories, textile products and nicotine pouches. Officers also seized materials used to prepare illegal packaging.
In total, more than 1.3 million cigarettes without Polish excise stamps, 8 kilograms of tobacco and a large quantity of counterfeit products were seized. According to the services’ estimates, the operation prevented losses to public-law receivables exceeding PLN 2 million.
Three men aged 22 and 23 were detained in connection with the case. They face up to 5 years in prison for offences related to the illegal trade in excise goods and infringement of intellectual property rights. Money was also secured toward future penalties and fines.