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AUTHORITIES have shut down an illegal Alicante province cigarette factory and seized materials worth over €3 million.
Guardia Civil arrested two men in their 50s and 22s.
They were charged with crimes against the public health, illegal smuggling, as well as membership in a criminal gang.
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A court in Alcoy remanded the duo into custody and the Guardia Investigation is still ongoing.
The clandestine production of cigarettes took place in a warehouse located on the Canaleta Industrial Estate in Muro de Alcoy.
Guardia Civil was monitoring suspicious activity in the area since months, and in November last year took an interest in one building.
Officers noticed that although a warehouse had been closed, loading and unloading was done in a hurry at an unusual time.
They confirmed their suspicions after intercepting the semi-trailer leaving the premises.
The vehicle was filled with production machinery, tobacco shards and screen-printing plate of well-known brands.
The Guardia searched and seized more than 300,000 illegal cigarettes that were ready to be sold. They also seized industrial machinery as well as several vehicles for transporting the items.
It was clear that 12 people were working and sleeping in the warehouse, under unsanitary conditions.
The Olive Press has more Alicante News. Click here to read it.
