Police seize 55,000 cigarettes without excise

25 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Police in Silesia seized 55,000 cigarettes without excise, disrupting a local illegal trade and protecting state revenue.

Police in Sosnowiec and Dąbrowa Górnicza seized nearly 55,000 cigarettes without excise after searches of two flats. The operation targeted a suspected local distributor, and authorities arrested a 47-year-old woman. The seizure shows how local police combat illegal tobacco that harms public revenue.

Table of Contents

What police found and the immediate case

Officers from the Sosnowiec Criminal Division led the investigation. They searched one flat in Sosnowiec and another in Dąbrowa Górnicza. Consequently, they recovered almost 55,000 cigarettes lacking Polish excise stamps. Moreover, police estimate the state could lose about 95,000 PLN if the cigarettes entered legal sale. Therefore, the authorities arrested a 47-year-old woman and charged her with storing tobacco without the required stamps.

Why the seizure matters: state revenue and criminal risk

Illegal tobacco undermines tax collection and public services. For instance, Poland funds health care through the National Health Fund (NFZ) and social insurance via ZUS. Consequently, lost excise revenue reduces money for these services. In addition, the illicit trade often finances other crimes. Therefore, police treat storage and distribution of unmarked cigarettes as serious offences.

cigarettes without excise: legal consequences and context

Polish law requires excise stamps on domestic tobacco products. However, sellers sometimes import or store untaxed goods to avoid tax. The law punishes such actions with fines or prison, or both. Moreover, courts consider the quantity and intent when setting penalties. In this case, prosecutors will decide whether to seek custody or other restrictions.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you encounter or buy suspiciously cheap cigarettes, avoid the purchase. Report illegal goods to the police by calling 112 or contact local municipal guards (straż miejska) for non-emergencies. In Poland a “mandat” means a fine, and institutions like ZUS (social insurance) or NFZ (health fund) depend on tax and excise receipts. Also, keep your PESEL (national ID number) and documents handy if police question you, and seek a translator if needed.

Observers say police actions show a regional clampdown on smuggling and tax evasion. Consequently, local enforcement may increase spot checks at markets and apartments. Moreover, retailers who buy suspicious stock risk prosecution. Therefore, legitimate sellers should verify excise stamps and invoices.

For expats, the case has practical implications. First, cheap tobacco offered in some markets might be untaxed. Second, possession or distribution can lead to criminal charges even for buyers who did not intend to break the law. In addition, cooperating with police and knowing local emergency numbers helps avoid complications.

Authorities continue investigations to find any supply chains linked to the seized goods. Meanwhile, prosecutors will prepare the formal case against the suspect. Consequently, courts may use this case to deter similar illegal trade in the region.

Source: Read original article

📚 Looking for more help settling in Poland? Browse our complete Expat Guides.