• A person with a history of tobacco smuggling has been identified as the alleged perpetrator

February 7, 2025.- Customs Surveillance officials from the Tax Agency and agents from the National Police, in a joint operation, have seized 142 kilos of smuggled tobacco and the machinery and products necessary for the establishment of a clandestine tobacco factory in Pontevedra and have identified a person with a history of tobacco smuggling as the alleged perpetrator.

The operation, called 'Tempus-Shisha', began at the end of last year, when investigators became aware of a clandestine shipment of tobacco. The person behind the shipment was a person from Pontecaldelas, who had already been previously investigated for illegal activities related to smuggling.

The agents were later able to locate the warehouse where the tobacco was stored, in the town of Cerponzóns (Pontevedra). After entering the warehouse, investigators seized a total of 142 kilos of water pipe tobacco, which would have an approximate value of 11,000 euros and which lacked the optimal legal and health standards.

In addition, a large quantity of material, machinery, chemical products and industrial equipment was seized from the warehouse, which was allegedly intended for the establishment of a clandestine tobacco factory.

For legal purposes, products consisting exclusively or partially of substances other than tobacco and intended to be smoked are considered 'smoking tobacco' and are included in the scope of the Special Tax on Tobacco Products.

The actions carried out were therefore referred to the Regional Customs and Excise Department of the Special Delegation of the Tax Agency in Galicia for the initiation of the corresponding sanctioning procedure for an administrative infringement of tobacco smuggling. In addition, a person residing in Poio (Pontevedra), with a history of tobacco smuggling, has been identified as the alleged perpetrator.

The operation was carried out jointly by Customs Surveillance officers from the Tax Agency in Galicia and by the UDEV-Itinerant Crime Group of Pontevedra of the National Police.