A factory producing fake cigarettes was busted in Kandal province on Tuesday and 35 tonnes of the counterfeit product was seized, authorities said.

The raid was conducted after the authorised producer of the ESSE brand of cigarettes lodged a complaint with the authorities about the clandestine operation in the province.

Anti-Economic Crimes Department deputy director Long Sreng said upon receiving the company’s complaint, his officials, backed by the Kandal provincial anti-economic crimes unit, sprung into action to raid the factory.

The manufacturing process was carried out in the factory, located in Kampong Samnanh village, Takhmao town, in Kandal province.