• Nearly a tonne of tobacco, including leaf and cut tobacco, has been seized, as well as machinery for cutting, packaging and weighing it.

• The seized product has a value of 843,000 euros

November 22, 2023.- Customs Surveillance officials from the Tax Agency in Córdoba and agents from the National Police Station in Linares (Jaén) have dismantled a factory for the production of smuggled chopped tobacco in the town of Linares, Jaén.

In the operation, carried out on November 8, three people were arrested for alleged tobacco smuggling. The investigation is still ongoing and further arrests are not ruled out.

Operation to locate the factory

Following investigations carried out by Customs Surveillance officers and National Police agents, it was discovered that there was a warehouse near the Rubiales industrial estate in Linares, where tobacco leaves were being chopped for sale as cigarette rolling materials.

For this reason, a corresponding surveillance device was established in the vicinity. After detecting the arrival of a person at the warehouse and the opening of the door, investigators observed the merchandise from outside, so they proceeded to inspect the warehouse, finding inside more than 700 kilos of tobacco leaves that were used as raw material for making tobacco.

In addition, around 150 bags, each weighing one kilo, were found with chopped tobacco inside, as well as machinery for chopping, packaging and weighing the merchandise. The narcotic substance was already ready to be sent throughout the national territory through courier companies.

The seized product lacked the relevant health controls and permits, and was valued at 843,000 euros.

The operation culminated in the arrest of three adult males, residents of Linares, who were placed at the disposal of the judicial authorities.

The investigation was carried out within the ongoing collaboration between the Tax Agency's Customs Surveillance and the National Police in the fight against the trafficking of illegal substances in the province of Jaén.