A smoking article production apparatus and method for producing smoking articles is provided, each smoking article including serially engaged filter rod and tobacco rod sections. A rotatable drum includes a longitudinally-extending receiving surface defining a plurality of channels for receiving smoking articles arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drum. An inspection device is arranged to inspect each smoking article in the channels of the drum and to determine whether any of the smoking articles are defective. Any defective smoking articles are directed away from the drum. A rotatable sampling drum is in communication with the drum and is configured to receive defective smoking articles therefrom. A severing device is disposed adjacent the sampling drum to sever each defective smoking article to separate a portion of the tobacco rod section from the remainder of the defective smoking article including the filter section. An associated method is also provided.