The work aims to solve the problems of false detection and missing detection of cigarettes in the mold box by mechanical probe. A cigarette detection device used in the mold box of high-speed packaging machine was designed based on visual imaging technology. Through the research on the key technologies, including the installation of industrial camera, LED light source and controller, dynamic image acquisition and image processing algorithm, and design of PLC control program. After the cigarette detection device was installed and used, the detection accuracy of defective cigarettes in the mold box was ≥ 98%, and the false detection rate was ≤ 1%. The cigarette detection device can effectively solve the problems of false detection and missing detection of cigarette by mechanical probe, improve the product quality, reduce the waste cigarette consumption, and improve the effective operation rate of equipment and can be widely used in all packaging equipment in the industry.