Ghent customs seized no less than 20.8 million cigarettes during a raid on a warehouse in Maasmechelen earlier this week, the Federal Public Service (FPS) Finance reported on Friday evening.
The seized cigarettes, which were of the brands Richmond, Marlboro Red and Marlboro Gold, represent €8.5 million in evaded taxes. Customs also seized four tractors, five semi-trailers and a light truck.
The raid took place after a “thorough investigation,” the ministry said. In total, three Polish citizens and two Romanians were arrested. Further investigations are underway.
