Apparatus for removing filter rod sections from a magazine in a filter cigarette making machine. The magazine has an outlet which receives a portion of a fluted drum so that, when the drum rotates, its flutes remove filter rod sections from the magazine. A yieldably mounted refuser roller is disposed between the drum and the magazine at the downstream side of the outlet to normally prevent the drum from removing sections which are not received in the flutes. If a section adheres to a section in a flute and displaces the refuser roller against the opposition of a spring, the roller or a lever for the roller actuates a switch which disengages a clutch serving to transmit torque to the drum and to other moving parts of the machine.