A joint international law enforcement operation has dismantled two criminal organisations operating illegal tobacco manufacturing and distribution networks in Spain, resulting in the seizure of more than 20 million counterfeit cigarettes and 38.4 tonnes of tobacco leaf and cut tobacco.

The operation, coordinated by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and Europol, involved Spain’s Guardia Civil, Poland’s Central Bureau of Investigation, Portugal’s National Republican Guard and Lithuania’s Customs Criminal Service.

Authorities estimate the seized tobacco products are worth more than €10 million. Officers also confiscated 18 vehicles, cigarette manufacturing equipment, encrypted electronic devices, €170,000 in cash and several firearms.

In total, 50 people were arrested following 23 searches of homes, commercial premises and industrial warehouses across the Spanish provinces of Alicante, Cuenca, Huelva, Murcia, Seville and Toledo. Two suspects have been surrendered to Polish authorities.

According to OLAF, the agency supplied operational intelligence on the movement of tobacco raw materials, machinery, vehicles and other equipment destined for the illicit cigarette factories. The intelligence enabled national authorities to track logistics, identify previously unknown suspects and coordinate enforcement action across multiple jurisdictions.

OLAF Director-General Petr Klement said the operation demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in tackling illicit tobacco trade, noting that counterfeit cigarettes not only pose additional health risks but also fuel organised crime and deprive governments of tax revenue.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have indicated that further enforcement actions are possible.