Seized Cigarettes Removed from Market: Bielefeld Customs Intercepts 150,000 Contraband Cigarettes along A44 near Anröchte
In a significant development, the Bielefeld Customs Office, in collaboration with the public prosecutor's office in Paderborn, has seized nearly 150,000 untaxed cigarettes during a traffic check on federal highway 44. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, is being kept under wraps for tactical reasons.
During the check, customs officers discovered several white boxes, covered by a black blanket, in the trunk of a car with Belgian license plates. Upon opening these boxes, untaxed cigarettes of a well-known brand were found. In addition, a non-labeled pepper spray device, which is prohibited in Germany, was found in the card compartment of the front passenger seat.
Ralf Wagenfeld, spokesperson for the Bielefeld customs office, stated that since the smuggled cigarettes did not reach the black market, a tax loss of more than 27,000 euros in tobacco tax was prevented. As a result, a tax evasion procedure and a criminal procedure for violating the weapons law were initiated against the driver, who was 44 years old and had come to Germany for a short stay.
The customs investigation office in Essen is conducting further investigations on behalf of the public prosecutor's office in Paderborn. The details of the ongoing investigation are being kept confidential for tactical reasons. No new facts have been disclosed at this time.
For inquiries, contact the Bielefeld Customs Office at (0521) 3047-1095, or send an email to [email protected]. You can also visit their website at www.zoll.de for more information.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bielefeld Customs Office and the public prosecutor's office in Paderborn. The public is advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
