Illegal tobacco trade halted in Silesia

5 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Police and customs stopped an illegal tobacco trade in Silesia, seizing over 1,700 cigarette packs and arresting three suspects.

Police and customs officers stopped an illegal tobacco trade in Silesia. Consequently, they arrested three people and seized more than 1,700 cigarette packs.

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Illegal tobacco trade: what police found

Officers from Ruda Śląska cooperated with the Śląski Customs and Tax Service in Katowice. Moreover, they targeted a small network suspected of selling untaxed goods. Police arrested a 70-year-old woman from Toporowice, a 59-year-old woman from Bytom, and a 68-year-old man from Toporowice. In addition, the team searched several properties. A customs sniffer dog helped find hidden stock. Officers seized over 1,700 packs of cigarettes without Polish excise stamps. Furthermore, they found loose tobacco and bottles of alcohol.

Why this matters for the public and the state

Illegal sales of excise goods reduce public revenue. Therefore, the state loses money it could spend on hospitals, roads, or schools. In this case, investigators estimated losses at more than PLN 60,000. Also, the illicit market can undercut legal businesses. Consequently, legitimate shops suffer and honest taxpayers carry the burden. Moreover, illegal products may lack quality control. Therefore, buyers face health risks from poorly stored tobacco or fake alcohol.

How authorities work and what charges may follow

Economic crime officers led the probe. They cooperate routinely with the Tax and Customs Service. In addition, prosecutors will review the evidence. Police will charge the suspects with fiscal crimes. Consequently, those convicted may face fines and prison terms. Also, courts may order confiscation of goods. Moreover, sellers may face civil claims from suppliers or landlords. Therefore, the legal consequences can be significant.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: In Poland, selling goods without proper excise stamps breaks tax law and may lead to criminal charges. As an expat, you should avoid buying suspicious cheap cigarettes or alcohol. In addition, remember that local services use specific terms: ZUS (social security), NFZ (public health insurance), PESEL (national ID number), and mandat (on-the-spot fine). Also, you can report illegal trade to the Police (call 112) or to Customs (Służba Celno-Skarbowa) by phone or via their websites. Finally, keep receipts for purchases to prove legality, especially when you plan to resell goods.

Local context matters. Ruda Śląska, Bytom, and nearby Toporowice lie in Silesia. Moreover, the region hosts many retail outlets and transport links. Therefore, smugglers may try to move goods quickly along these routes. However, increased cooperation between police and customs reduces their room to operate. Consequently, authorities play a stronger role in protecting the legal market.

For expats, the case shows how Polish enforcement can affect daily life. If you buy products in informal markets, you may unknowingly support illegal networks. In addition, customs can inspect commercial deliveries and private parcels. Therefore, importers and small business owners must track excise paperwork carefully. Also, consult an accountant if you start selling goods. They will explain tax rules and registrations such as VAT and excise declarations.

Investigators continue their work. Meanwhile, evidence and statements will go to prosecutors. Also, the three suspects will answer for alleged fiscal crimes. As a result, the courts will decide on penalties and possible confiscation of assets.

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