Customs police have seized more than 7.3 million untaxed cigarettes with an estimated worth of more than GBP 2 million from a warehouse in Germany.

The find was discovered during a search in Petershagen, North Rhine-Westphalia State, on Monday, 7th November.

Officers from the Stadthagen Police reportedly initiated the operation after obtaining intelligence that the offenders had stashed stolen e-bikes and bicycle parts in the building.

These were reportedly worth about EUR 100,000 (GBP 87,000).

But when they entered the depot, they were amazed to find more than 7.3 million duty-unpaid and untaxed cigarettes in addition to the e-bikes and bicycle components.

The smuggled cigarettes were reportedly in more than 37,000 packages and their value was estimated at EUR 2.3 million (GBP 2 million).

Police also found and confiscated more cigarette boxes and shrink-wrapped bicycle parts in a van parked in front of the warehouse.

Hanover Customs Investigation Office spokesperson Julia Soellner confirmed in a statement obtained by Newsflash: “The 7.3 million cigarettes correspond to a goods value of around EUR 2.3 million.”

The statement concluded: “The Hanover Customs Investigation Office is now conducting investigations into suspected import smuggling of duty-unpaid and untaxed cigarettes on behalf of the Bielefeld public prosecutor’s office.