Homemade cigarette machine seized - Homemade cigarette machine uncovered in German apartment raid
Customs investigators in Germany have uncovered a homemade cigarette-making machine during a routine search. The device, found in an apartment in the Upper Palatinate, could produce 500 cigarette tubes per hour. Authorities believe it was used for illegal commercial production.
The discovery took place in September 2025, though the seizure itself happened earlier. Police originally searched the property for an unrelated matter. Instead, they stumbled upon the self-built machine and confiscated it immediately.
The suspect, a 40-year-old man, allegedly used the device to fill cigarettes with tobacco. He then packaged them in branded boxes under a name he had invented. Officials suspect he intended to sell them for profit.
No other cases of homemade cigarette machines being seized have been reported in Germany so far this year. Authorities chose to publicise the case in September for tactical reasons linked to their ongoing investigation.
The confiscated machine highlights an unusual case of illegal tobacco production. The suspect now faces potential charges for commercial fraud. Customs officials continue to examine the scale of his operations.
