Almost one million cigarettes seized at Leușeni–Albița customs; two men detained by PCCOCS
Officials uncovered a significant haul of nearly one million contraband cigarettes, which is equivalent to approximately 50,000 packs, at the Leușeni-Albița border crossing. Prosecutors from the Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases (PCCOCS), along with Customs Service officers, found the cigarettes concealed in the roof of a truck trailer. As a result of the criminal investigation, two men— the driver and the alleged organizer of the transport— were detained.
991,300 cigarettes found without documents of origin
Despite the truck being declared empty, law enforcement officers decided to inspect it. They uncovered 991,300 cigarettes that lacked the necessary accompanying documents, hidden inside a compartment built into the ceiling of the trailer. This discovery required partially dismantling the trailer's structure, according to a statement from the Prosecutor's Office.
Following this, searches were conducted both inside and outside the city of Chisinau. Authorities seized computer equipment, relevant documents, and the truck used in the attempted smuggling.
Both the driver and the alleged organizer of the operation, aged 39 and 43, were detained for 72 hours, as reported by the PCCOCS. Prosecutors have filed charges against the two men and are seeking 30 days of pretrial detention. Investigations are ongoing to identify all individuals involved and any potential connections to illegal cigarette production and trade.
Under the law, suspects are presumed innocent until a final verdict is reached.
