Tobacco Wholesaler Sentenced to 4 Years for Pas de la Casa Smuggling

The Tribunal de Corts has sentenced a 66-year-old tobacco wholesaler and sole administrator of a tobacco sector company to four years in prison for his role in a smuggling operation based at Pas de la Casa. Of that total, 14 months and six days are firm, matching the time he already served in pre-trial detention. The remaining portion is conditional, suspended provided he commits no further offences within the next four years.

The court also imposed a fine of 931,895 euros—equivalent to the amount investigators believe was laundered—and barred the man from handling sensitive goods for three years. The ruling came nearly a month after his April trial, following his release on provisional liberty after spending time in La Comella prison since his February 2024 arrest.

Prosecutors had sought six years in prison and a 1.5 million euro fine, arguing the man played a key role in a sustained 2024 operation supplying large quantities of tobacco—valued at nearly 950,000 euros—primarily for illegal entry into France. Sales occurred irregularly, often in cash, over months.

The defence demanded acquittal, insisting the wholesaler operated legally and was unaware of any criminal network. He described dealings with a Pas de la Casa shopkeeper as a trusted commercial relationship and said he never suspected the tobacco's final destination. A third party collected goods nightly for stated "security" reasons.

Two other suspects, who reached plea deals with prosecutors beforehand, testified they never informed him of the smuggling intent and claimed he believed the tobacco went to legitimate Encamp-area commerce. Despite this, the court found his participation in the contraband scheme proven and rejected the defence's nullity plea. The man may appeal the first-instance verdict.