A large-scale operation in the province of Seville has led to the dismantling of a sprawling criminal network involved in the illegal production of tobacco products. Seven people have been taken into custody, and authorities uncovered tobacco goods worth approximately 10 million euros in various warehouses.
The investigation began three months ago when law enforcement officers discovered a concealed factory in the La Rinconada industrial zone. The facility was capable of producing up to 1,200 cigarettes per minute, equating to nearly 1.7 million per day. Over the course of surveillance, losses to the state treasury from this site alone were estimated at around half a million euros.
In addition to the main factory, police searched an apartment in central Seville where the suspected organizers lived, as well as another industrial unit in El Coronil, which was used to store illicit products. During the arrests, two firearms were found with the suspects: a pistol and a modified revolver. When the police arrived, the suspects attempted to load the weapons, fearing an attack by rivals, but upon realizing they were facing law enforcement, tried to hide the weapons under furniture.
Among those detained are five foreigners, mainly from Eastern Europe, and two Spanish nationals responsible for logistics. One of the participants was on an international wanted list for offenses related to property crimes. The total damage caused to the state by the group’s activities is estimated at around 45 million euros.
