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.

Product | Compatible with Terea Sticks and Supporting Dual Heating: HiTaste Unveils New Heated Tobacco Device
Product | Compatible with Terea Sticks and Supporting Dual Heating: HiTaste Unveils New Heated Tobacco Device
HiTaste has introduced its new HNB device, the F10, on social media, highlighting its wrap-around heating and dual-heating features. Similar “dual-heating” and “one-stick-two-sessions” designs were widely showcased at InterTabac 2025, signaling that this technical direction is emerging as a new competitive focus among HNB brands.
Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Altria Director George Muñoz to Retire After 2026 Shareholder Meeting;
Altria Director George Muñoz to Retire After 2026 Shareholder Meeting;
Altria director George Muñoz plans to retire post-2026 annual meeting, not seeking re-election. Annual meeting expected on May 14.
Oct.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
ZYN’s Trademark Dilemma in China | Legal Opinion Submitted to 2Firsts
ZYN’s Trademark Dilemma in China | Legal Opinion Submitted to 2Firsts
ZYN faces trademark revocation and enforcement challenges in China. In this legal commentary submitted to 2Firsts, the author examines regulatory gaps, enforcement hurdles, and the high legal risks surrounding nicotine pouch trademarks.
Oct.14
Illegal Vape Suppliers Move Online After Queensland Crackdown
Illegal Vape Suppliers Move Online After Queensland Crackdown
Less than two weeks after Queensland police raided and shut down tobacconists suspected of selling illegal e-cigarettes, at least one supplier has moved its business online. Flyers with QR codes advertising same-day delivery of vapes, tobacco, and nicotine pouches were found taped to electricity poles across the Gold Coast.
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Japan to raise prices of glo heated-tobacco sticks by about 4%–5%
BAT Japan to raise prices of glo heated-tobacco sticks by about 4%–5%
BAT Japan said it will raise retail prices by ¥20 (about $0.13) per pack for 16 glo heated-tobacco stick brands—11 Lucky Strike and five Kent—effective January 1, 2026. The company will also lift prices for 12 VELO nicotine pouch brands by ¥20–¥40 per pack from December 1, 2025.
Oct.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Over 179,000 E-Cigarettes Destroyed in Samut Prakan as Thai Government Tightens Enforcement
Over 179,000 E-Cigarettes Destroyed in Samut Prakan as Thai Government Tightens Enforcement
Thailand’s Office of the Prime Minister, led by Minister Santi Piyatat, has destroyed nearly 179,000 confiscated e-cigarettes and accessories worth 33 million baht (approx. USD 1,020,000) as part of the government’s ongoing campaign for a “Vape-Free Thai Society.”Officials said the action demonstrates Thailand’s strict enforcement of anti-vaping laws and its commitment to protecting youth and public health.
Nov.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai