Italian investigators raid counterfeit cigarette factory near Milan

Investigators in Italy have discovered an illegal cigarette factory in a warehouse in the industrial area of the city of Piacenza, about 70 kilometres south of Milan.

Italy's financial police announced on Wednesday that drug enforcement units seized 14 tons of counterfeit cigarettes and 10 tons of raw tobacco.

Inside the facility, investigators discovered a complete production line, including packaging materials and machinery, suggesting large-scale manufacturing for the black market.

The counterfeit cigarettes bore a convincing imitation of a major tobacco brand's logo but were produced without licenses or tax stamps.

The police said the raw materials came from Poland and were transported to Italy over land.

One person was arrested and another reported for smuggling and trademark infringement.

The investigation also led to a coordinated raid in Romania, where police seized an additional 25 tons of counterfeit cigarettes and uncovered firearms.

Several suspected members of an international criminal organization were arrested.