A pre-trial investigation has been initiated regarding illegal business activities and the use of a foreign trademark, led by the Kaunas District Prosecutor’s Office.
Read more Cars crashing into stations cost the capital thousands every year: who covers the damage?
In cooperation with OLAF, officers from the MKT Kaunas division began a pre-trial investigation in April of this year concerning a Lithuanian small partnership’s possible engagement in illegal business activities and intellectual property rights violations.
In mid-July, customs detectives in the Kaunas district inspected the company’s premises. During the search, a production line for nicotine pouches, packaging, and label application was found.
About 30 different types of nicotine pouches with various flavors and nicotine levels were found in boxes. In total, more than 330,000 boxes with well-known manufacturers’ trademarks were seized. Numerous (quantity still being determined) already produced nicotine pouches in unmarked boxes were also discovered.
A large quantity of various raw materials (liquids and bulk substances) for nicotine pouch production was also found.
Read more “Rytas,” having found reinforcement for the coaching staff, offered a job to the club legend
According to officers, the shadow factory supplied nicotine pouches to Scandinavian, Baltic countries, and the United Arab Emirates.
The pre-trial investigation into illegal business and commercial activities and the use of a foreign trademark continues at the MKT Kaunas division. The investigation is led by prosecutors from the 3rd Criminal Prosecution Department of the Kaunas District Prosecutor’s Office.
According to the provisions of the Republic of Lithuania’s Tobacco Products Control Law, nicotine pouches are not considered tobacco products. However, in Lithuania, they are regarded as an imitation of the Swedish tobacco product known as “snus,” and therefore, pursuant to Article 18, Paragraph 1, Point 8 of the mentioned law, the production and sale of these products by legal entities within Lithuanian territory is prohibited. Furthermore, the nicotine found on the company’s premises is classified as an acutely toxic substance in terms of health impact.
Read more Holiday horror: Greece saves a popular resort from the flames
