Illegal hookah tobacco factory discovered in Camposano: Syrian man charged

Naples – A clandestine laboratory for the production of hookah tobacco, intended for the practice of "shisha," was discovered and seized in Camposano by soldiers from the Provincial Command of the Guardia di Finanza in Naples.

The operation, the result of an information-investigative effort, led to the complaint of a 41-year-old Syrian citizen, believed to be responsible for the illegal activity.

The illegal factory had been set up inside a condominium apartment, operating without any commercial or health permit. Here, raw tobacco was processed and transformed into flavored molasses, ready for sale on the black market.

The danger of “clandestine shisha”

Shisha, an ancient practice in the Arab world, involves smoking flavored tobacco through a water pipe. This molasses, made from leaves mixed with honey, vegetable glycerin, and natural or artificial flavors, is particularly insidious.

Since it lacks any health warnings, its consumption is often perceived as less dangerous than other tobacco products, attracting even non-smokers unaware of the risks.

The raid and the seizures: a huge illicit treasure

The searches, conducted by the soldiers of the II Naples Group, allowed them to find and seize an impressive quantity of material:

Over a ton of flavored tobacco (ready-made molasses).

Approximately 900 kg of substances used to process the product.

35 machines and tools for production and packaging.

Over 25.000 envelopes and labels, ready for illegal packaging.

2.900 euros in cash and a gold watch.

The thousands of packages of seized shisha, if placed on the black market, would have generated revenue of over €400, deducting from the tax authorities an estimated €250 in unpaid excise duties.

The person responsible was reported to the Nola Public Prosecutor's Office for fraudulent evasion of the assessment and payment of excise duty on manufactured tobacco, and was also reported to the competent authorities for violations of the Consumer Code.

The Guardia di Finanza operation confirms law enforcement's focus on illicit trafficking, which, in addition to damaging the Treasury, puts consumers' health at risk with uncontrolled products.