Hidden cigarette factory uncovered in Italy

In the Ancona province of Italy, the Financial Guard has uncovered a hidden cigarette manufacturing complex of unprecedented scale. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

The news was reported by the L’Unione Sarda publication on September 26. According to the information, a large underground bunker was cleverly and skillfully concealed, occupying more than 1600 square meters.

Access to the secret factory was carried out through a special hydraulic system, and the production process was completely hidden from external view. Inside, three production lines equipped with modern machinery are operating.

Their annual production capacity is approximately 2.7 billion cigarettes, which allows for the manufacture of 7.2 million products per day. During the inspection, over 150 tons of counterfeit tobacco, more than 170 tons of production materials, hundreds of thousands of filters, millions of cardboard boxes, and various technical equipment were found in the warehouse.

The factory's total value was estimated at 1.75 million euros, and the production capacity reached a level of 5,000 cigarettes per minute. Another aspect that surprised investigators was that the bunker included 18 beds for workers, bathrooms, showers, a kitchen, and a repair workshop, which ensured their continuous shift work and allowed uninterrupted secret production.

Additionally, warehouses used for storing counterfeit products were found nearby. Two vehicles and four and a half trailers were seized from there.

These vehicles contained counterfeit cigarettes with a total value of 620 thousand euros, and their market price is estimated at approximately 47.4 million euros. This situation highlights the importance of combating counterfeit tobacco products in the country.