Massive Illegal Tobacco Warehouse Found in St. Petersburg

Aug.26.2022
Massive Illegal Tobacco Warehouse Found in St. Petersburg
Police discovered a warehouse with 140,000 counterfeit cigarettes worth an estimated 13.5 million rubles in Saint Petersburg.

On August 24th, according to a report from the main department of the Russian Interior Ministry, police discovered a warehouse containing 140,000 packets of counterfeit cigarettes in the Vyborg district of St. Petersburg. The estimated total cost of the counterfeit goods is 13.5 million rubles.


In February 2022, criminal proceedings were initiated against a 50-year-old resident of Saint Petersburg who was charged with trafficking counterfeit tobacco. During the investigation, the location of the warehouse was discovered. "During further investigation, the police began to establish all links in the chain of criminals involved in trafficking fake cigarettes. As a result, several warehouses were found on the Vyborgskoe highway in Saint Petersburg, where a large amount of illegal tobacco was stored," the report stated.


During the search, the police also detained a 42-year-old woman who had registered as a sole proprietor for a warehouse. The investigation suggests that she had purchased counterfeit cigarettes from the detained defendant.


Earlier, authorities discovered an illegal cigarette production site in a stable located in the southern part of Saint Petersburg.


Statement


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended for industry communication and learning purposes.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the truthfulness or accuracy of the article's content. The translation of this article is solely for industry exchange and research purposes.


Due to limitations in translation ability, the translated article may not fully convey the intended meaning of the original. Therefore, the original text should be referred to for accuracy.


2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government regarding any domestic, Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan-related, or foreign-related statements or positions.


The copyright of compiled information belongs to the original media and authors. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Mexico Passes Law Banning Commercial Sale and Advertising of Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Mexico Passes Law Banning Commercial Sale and Advertising of Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional reform prohibiting the production, import, export, transport, distribution, sale, and advertising of vapes and e-cigarettes nationwide. The law does not ban personal use of such products. Backed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, the amendment to the General Health Law imposes penalties of one to eight years in prison and fines between 11,314 and 226,280 pesos (approximately USD 621–12,430).
Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia’s MOH aims to implement a vape ban in 2026, starting with open pod systems
Malaysia’s MOH aims to implement a vape ban in 2026, starting with open pod systems
Bernama (Malaysia’s national news agency) reported that Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Ministry of Health aims to implement a vape ban this year, beginning with open pod systems, and will not compromise on enforcing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
Jan.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JUUL Files ITC Complaint over Vaporizer Device Infringement
JUUL Files ITC Complaint over Vaporizer Device Infringement
The U.S. International Trade Commission has instituted a Section 337 investigation following a complaint filed by JUUL Labs, Inc. and VMR Products LLC. The complaint alleges that certain vaporizer devices, cartridges and related components infringe two U.S. patents. The investigation covers importation, sale for importation and post-importation sales in the United States, with the complainants seeking a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
Dec.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Maldives Customs Report Vape Fines Reach  US$42.8 Million, Mostly from Malaysia Imports
Maldives Customs Report Vape Fines Reach US$42.8 Million, Mostly from Malaysia Imports
Maldives Customs data shows that fines related to illegal vapes have reached MVR 659 million (about US$42.8 million) since the country banned the import and use of electronic cigarettes. Authorities said most seized vapes were brought in by travellers arriving from Malaysia. The largest single case involved 10,800 vapes, resulting in a fine of MVR 108 million (about US$7.02 million).
Dec.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exclusive: Altria Confirms FDA Grants Marketing Authorization to on! PLUS, Ending More Than a Year of PMTA Review
Exclusive: Altria Confirms FDA Grants Marketing Authorization to on! PLUS, Ending More Than a Year of PMTA Review
Altria on December 19 confirmed that six on! PLUS nicotine pouch products had received U.S. FDA marketing authorization, ending a PMTA review lasting more than a year after the company moved ahead with launch plans before clearance.
Regulations
Dec.20
Philip Morris Japan adds “Electric Purple” to IQOS ILUMA i range, expands to convenience stores from Feb. 3
Philip Morris Japan adds “Electric Purple” to IQOS ILUMA i range, expands to convenience stores from Feb. 3
Philip Morris Japan (PMJ) said on Jan. 29 it has introduced “Electric Purple” as a new standard color option for its IQOS ILUMA i heated tobacco device lineup, covering three models with prices unchanged. The new color will be available from Jan. 29 via the company’s official online and store channels, with sales expanding to convenience stores and some tobacco retailers from Feb. 3.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai