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.

Kansas Lawmakers Hear SB 355 to License E-Cigarette Makers, Citing Illicit China Imports
Kansas Lawmakers Hear SB 355 to License E-Cigarette Makers, Citing Illicit China Imports
Kansas lawmakers held a Senate committee hearing on Senate Bill 355 on Jan. 27. The proposal would require e-cigarette manufacturers—potentially affecting distributors as well—to obtain a state license, expanding oversight beyond retailers.
Jan.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Cyprus Ranks Among Europe’s Highest for Teen Vaping, Expert Warns Nicotine Risks Are Being Underestimated
Cyprus Ranks Among Europe’s Highest for Teen Vaping, Expert Warns Nicotine Risks Are Being Underestimated
An opinion piece by Cyprus-based expert Dr. Angelos Kassianos argues that while traditional teen smoking is declining across Europe, vaping is rising rapidly—and Cyprus stands out with high usage levels, including around one in ten 16-year-olds vaping daily.
Jan.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | Vaporesso lists Vibe SE 2 on official site, offering leather/plated versions and a 1,400mAh battery
Product | Vaporesso lists Vibe SE 2 on official site, offering leather/plated versions and a 1,400mAh battery
Vaporesso has recently listed the Vibe SE 2, a new device in its Vibe series, on the brand’s official website. The product is positioned as an entry-level MTL device and features a 1,400mAh built-in battery with Type-C 1A charging. It is available in two finishes—Leather and Plated—while listings on online retail channels show prices of around $17.99 and £22.99.
Jan.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Research Summary | NHANES Study: Smoking or E-Cigarette Use Linked to Higher Prevalence of Elevated Blood Pressure and Hypertension
Research Summary | NHANES Study: Smoking or E-Cigarette Use Linked to Higher Prevalence of Elevated Blood Pressure and Hypertension
A cross-sectional analysis based on the US NHANES 2021–2023 cycle, including 6,262 participants aged over 12, found that compared with people who neither smoke nor vape, those who smoke and/or use e-cigarettes had a higher prevalence of elevated blood pressure and hypertension. After full adjustment, smoking/vaping was associated with elevated blood pressure (aOR 1.34) and hypertension (aOR 1.46), and with a 1.05 mmHg higher diastolic blood pressure.
Feb.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris and BAT’s Nicoventures Win EPO Appeal to Revoke VMR Vape Patent
Philip Morris and BAT’s Nicoventures Win EPO Appeal to Revoke VMR Vape Patent
The EPO Technical Board of Appeal 3.2.02 (T 1319/24) revoked VMR Products LLC’s EP3613453 “VAPORIZER” patent after finding that a 2012 YouTube video of the Innokin iTaste VV (D3) disclosed the claimed electrical contact arrangement. Opponents Nicoventures Trading Ltd (BAT subsidiary) and Philip Morris Products S.A. prevailed.
BATPMI
Feb.17
2Firsts’ Nine Global Turning Points: How 2025 Reshaped the Nicotine Industry
2Firsts’ Nine Global Turning Points: How 2025 Reshaped the Nicotine Industry
In 2025, the global nicotine industry reached a critical turning point. Regulatory realignment, category shifts, capital repositioning and technological intervention unfolded in parallel, loosening old structures while new ones took shape. 2Firsts reviews nine pivotal events that reshaped the industry’s trajectory.
Jan.14