Combiteam Smoke Seizes 2.6 Million Illicit Cigarettes Hidden in Construction Materials

On April 18, enforcement officials from Combiteam Smoke uncovered and confiscated approximately 2.6 million unauthorized cigarettes at a warehouse in Hoensbroek. The cigarettes were concealed in an elaborate setup involving modified plasterboards that had been wrapped in foil to mask their contents.

Investigators on the scene also discovered:

• Hollowed-out plasterboards
• Wrapping materials
• Packaging equipment
  All items have since been destroyed to prevent further misuse.

Cross-Border Tip-Off Sparked Action

The investigation was launched following a tip from French authorities, who had identified a suspicious shipment reportedly destined for the United Kingdom over the Easter weekend. This timely intelligence prompted immediate inspection of the warehouse location.

Two individuals were found on-site during the search. While they were not taken into custody, they were questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.

Oversight by the Public Prosecution Service

The case is being handled under the direction of the Functional Public Prosecution Service, with Combiteam Smoke continuing its coordinated efforts to disrupt the circulation of unauthorized tobacco products through creative concealment tactics.