Italian police uncovered an illegal cigarette factory in Piacenza, seizing 14 tons of counterfeit products and 10 tons of raw tobacco.

The investigation uncovered a complete production line for counterfeit cigarettes, including packaging equipment, suggesting a large-scale operation. The cigarettes, with imitation logos of a well-known brand, were produced without licenses. The raw materials came from Poland and one person was arrested for smuggling. A similar action in Romania led to the seizure of 25 tons of cigarettes and the arrest of several members of an international criminal organization.