In the province of Ancona, Italy, the Financial Guard discovered a hidden cigarette manufacturing complex on an unprecedented scale in the country’s history. This was reported by the L’Unione Sarda publication on September 26.
According to the information, a large underground bunker was skillfully concealed, occupying more than 1,600 square meters. Access to the secret factory was through a special hydraulic system, which completely concealed the manufacturing process from outside view.
Inside, three production lines equipped with modern equipment operated, with an annual capacity to produce about 2.7 billion cigarettes. This corresponds to approximately 7.2 million products daily.
During the investigation, 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 its production capacity reached the level of making 5,000 cigarettes per minute.
Another surprising aspect for investigators was that the bunker contained 18 beds for workers, bathrooms, shower rooms, a kitchen, and even a repair workshop. This ensured their continuous work in shifts, allowing uninterrupted secret manufacturing.
Additionally, nearby warehouses used for storing counterfeit products were found, from which two cars and four half-trailers were seized. They contained counterfeit cigarettes with a total value of 620,000 euros, and the market value of the products was estimated at about 47.4 million euros.
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