The Podlaska Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa (KAS), Poland’s tax and customs service, has intercepted an attempt to smuggle 280,000 packs of cigarettes with Belarusian excise stamps. The haul, discovered during a routine inspection of a Lithuanian truck on the S61 highway, is valued at over 4 million złoty.
Inspection Uncovers More Than Declared Cargo
Customs officers from Łomża stopped the truck near the Zabiele-Zachód rest area on the S61. According to the driver’s documents, the cargo was supposed to consist of charcoal. However, a thorough check of the trailer revealed the concealed shipment of cigarettes instead of the declared goods. Both the truck and the illegal cargo have been seized.
Driver Arrested and Investigation Underway
The Lithuanian driver has been temporarily detained for two months while an investigation is conducted under the supervision of the District Prosecutor’s Office in Kolno. If convicted, the driver could face up to 10 years in prison.
This incident highlights ongoing efforts by Polish authorities to combat smuggling and illegal cross-border trade. Routine inspections such as these play a key role in protecting the market from contraband goods.
