Warsaw: Police and border guards in central Poland seized over 12.7 million cigarettes and 25 tons of tobacco in a raid on an "Armenian" gang running three illegal factories, broadcaster TVP World reported Tuesday. Officers detained nine Armenian citizens along with six others, while the value of the illicit goods exceeded £6.6 million ($7.6 million).

According to Anadolu Agency, a regional border guard spokesman stated that the state would have lost about £12.5 million ($14.4 million) in unpaid excise and VAT if the products had reached the market. Prosecutors charged 14 suspects, including Armenian nationals, with running an organized crime group, producing illegal tobacco, and tax offenses.

Additionally, four individuals face charges for handling unstamped cigarettes. One suspect was released under supervision for allegedly providing the premises for production, while the remaining suspects were remanded in custody for three months.