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.

Imperial Brands Explains What the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Means for Retailers
Imperial Brands Explains What the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Means for Retailers
Imperial Brands has outlined what the newly approved UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 means for retailers. The legislation received Royal Assent on April 29, 2026, and gives the Government powers to extend tobacco-style regulation to a wider range of products, including vaping products, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches and cigarette papers. Imperial Brands emphasized that most measures will be introduced in phases rather than taking effect immediately.
May.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Smoore International Q1 Results: Enterprise-Focused Business Up 48.6% Year-on-Year, Proprietary E-Vapor Brand Business Up 14.3%
Smoore International Q1 Results: Enterprise-Focused Business Up 48.6% Year-on-Year, Proprietary E-Vapor Brand Business Up 14.3%
Smoore International reported its Q1 financial results, with revenue for the period reaching RMB3.856 billion, up 41.7% year-on-year, and net profit (profit for the period) totaling RMB262.5 million, up 36.6% year-on-year. Revenue from its enterprise-focused business was RMB3.2674 billion, representing a 48.6% increase from RMB2.1989 billion in the same period last year. Revenue from its proprietary brand business was RMB588.6 million, up 12.6% from RMB522.6 million a year earlier.
Apr.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Receives Royal Assent, Banning Tobacco Sales to People Born After 2008
UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Receives Royal Assent, Banning Tobacco Sales to People Born After 2008
The UK government announced on April 29 that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill had received Royal Assent and become law. Under the new law, it is illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009. The government said the law creates the UK’s first “smoke-free generation” and includes measures to ban the advertising and sponsorship of vapes and nicotine products, as well as powers to restrict packaging, branding and displays designed to appeal to children.
Apr.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Azerbaijan Cancels E-Cigarette State Standard as Full Vape Ban Takes Effect on April 1
Azerbaijan Cancels E-Cigarette State Standard as Full Vape Ban Takes Effect on April 1
The Azerbaijan Institute of Standardization (AZSTAND) has announced the cancellation of state standard AZS 941:2023, “Electronic Cigarettes. General Technical Specifications.”Under legal amendments adopted on December 30, 2025, Azerbaijan has prohibited from April 1, 2026 the import, export, manufacture, storage, wholesale and retail sale, and use of e-cigarettes and their components.
Apr.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Belgium Approves Vape Flavor Ban, Allowing Only Tobacco-Flavored and Unflavored Products From September 2028
Belgium Approves Vape Flavor Ban, Allowing Only Tobacco-Flavored and Unflavored Products From September 2028
Belgium’s federal government on Thursday approved a ban on flavored vapes, allowing only tobacco-flavored and unflavored e-cigarettes on the market from September 2028. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke said the measure is aimed at protecting the health of children and young people and preventing a new generation from becoming dependent on tobacco.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Indonesian drug agency chief proposes ban on e-cigarettes and e-liquid containing harmful substances
Indonesian drug agency chief proposes ban on e-cigarettes and e-liquid containing harmful substances
Indonesian drug agency chief proposes ban on e-cigarette and e-liquid in new draft law, citing dangerous substances found.
Apr.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai