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Tobacco Smuggling Network Dismantled in Écija Operating via Parcel Services

A joint operation by the National Police and Civil Guard has led to the arrest of ten individuals and the seizure of over 850 kilograms of tobacco.

Generic image of tobacco smuggling packages.
IA

Generic image of tobacco smuggling packages.

A joint operation by the National Police and the Civil Guard has dismantled a criminal organization in Écija dedicated to tobacco smuggling, resulting in the arrest of ten individuals and the seizure of over 850 kilograms of shredded tobacco.

The operation, named Bumaca, has successfully broken up a criminal network based in Écija that was involved in sending contraband shredded tobacco through parcel delivery services. As a result of this action, ten individuals have been arrested for their alleged involvement in crimes of smuggling, money laundering, identity theft, document forgery, and belonging to a criminal organization.
Security forces reported that the individuals involved impersonated up to 16 people, using their identities as senders for the shipments. This practice caused significant harm, both criminal and administrative, to the victims. During the intervention, more than 850 kilograms of shredded tobacco were confiscated.
Investigations began in late 2023 when units of the Civil Guard of Cádiz detected numerous parcel shipments containing shredded tobacco that were processed individually as administrative infractions, with the senders listed as responsible. Inquiries revealed that these individuals were, in fact, victims of identity theft. The alleged perpetrators used hard-to-trace phones and falsified documents to hinder police action and the tracking of money from the illicit activity.
The organization operated with a hierarchical structure, comprising at least 15 people, most of whom were based in Écija and had strong family ties, which complicated investigation and surveillance efforts. Furthermore, they had strategically located logistical premises across different parts of the national territory from which they made shipments, taking advantage of parcel companies with fewer control measures.
Agents carried out four home searches in Écija. In addition to the arrests, movable and immovable assets were frozen and seized, along with a considerable amount of cash, jewelry, and luxury watches, valued at over half a million euros. It is estimated that the sale of the seized tobacco would have generated profits exceeding 150,000 euros.