30 million counterfeit cigarettes seized in Waregem and Elverdinge

10 tons of shredded tobacco

“30 million counterfeit cigarettes of the John Player Special, Richmond and Regal brands were found,” says the spokesman for the customs. “77 boxes of cut tobacco were also seized, representing more than 10 tons of tobacco. In total, two sites were discovered in Ypres and in Waregem.”

“In addition, tobacco precursors were found such as empty packages (“pack blanks”) of the brands Marlboro, Mayfair, Benson & Hedges, Richmond and John Player Special (with English inscriptions), cigarette paper rolls, cigarette filters, filter paper, master cases, cardboard, glue and foil.”

Sleeping space for 11 workers; 15 million euros of evaded taxes

“In the building there were also sleeping areas for 11 workers,” says Customs.

“The production site was being converted: there had clearly been activities, but preparations were already being made for the construction of a new tobacco cutting line.”

“The evaded taxes (excise duty, special excise duty and VAT) for these cigarettes and adulterated tobacco (smoking tobacco) total about 15 million euros. The counterfeit cigarettes were probably destined for the British market.”

Not first discovery

“This year, a total of 4 illegal cigarette production sites, 1 illegal cutting site and 9 storage sites have already been discovered in Belgium.

This brings the total seizures for 2023 to 143,619,696 cigarettes, 10 tons of smoking tobacco, 25 tons of hookah tobacco, as well as 40 tons of raw tobacco. The total evaded taxes (excise, special excise and VAT) for this year amount to 66.4 million euros,” concludes Customs.