409,000 Packs of Untaxed Cigarettes Seized in Russia

Apr.04.2023
409,000 Packs of Untaxed Cigarettes Seized in Russia
Russian officials seized 409,000 untaxed packs of Belarusian cigarettes, worth $4.6 million, disguised as cherry shipments.

Customs officials and federal security service border control personnel in Smolensk, Russia, have seized 409,000 packs of Belarusian cigarettes without tax stamps. The detained goods are estimated to be worth 46 million rubles (approximately 4 million yuan).


Rustam Yakupov, head of the Smolensk Customs Office, stated that a truck travelling from Belarus to Moscow was intercepted in the Kruglovo region of Smolensk. According to documents, the truck was loaded with 20 tons of Chinese frozen cherry without pits, but custom officials discovered large quantities of illegal cigarettes in some of the boxes.


Since the mandatory implementation of honest labeling on April 1st, there has been a growing variety of illegal tobacco transportation methods. Transporting unmarked tobacco products is considered an illegal activity, and those involved may face criminal charges under Article 171.1 of the Russian Criminal Code.


Reference:


Cigarettes disguised as cherries.


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.

Uruguay Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Smoking and Vaping in Playgrounds and Bus Stops
Uruguay Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Smoking and Vaping in Playgrounds and Bus Stops
A bill introduced by Uruguayan lawmaker Álvaro Dastugue proposes banning smoking and vaping in public spaces that include children’s play areas, as well as at bus stops and nearby waiting zones. The draft legislation aims to reduce involuntary exposure to smoke and aerosols from tobacco, marijuana and electronic vaping devices.
Dec.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | ELFBAR launches new “4-in-1” e-cigarette kit: 4× (1ml + 5ml) design, 4 flavors per set
Product | ELFBAR launches new “4-in-1” e-cigarette kit: 4× (1ml + 5ml) design, 4 flavors per set
ELFBAR has launched the “4 in 1 Ultra 50 VAPE KIT” through multiple online sales channels in the UK. The kit combines four 1ml prefilled pods with four 5ml refill containers. The company claims it can deliver up to around 50,000 puffs, with a retail price of approximately £13.99.
Dec.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Unveils New Ploom EVO Honey Lemon Smoke Stick, Nationwide Launch in Japan from January 2026
Japan Tobacco Unveils New Ploom EVO Honey Lemon Smoke Stick, Nationwide Launch in Japan from January 2026
Japan Tobacco (JT) has announced a new flavor for its Ploom brand’s premium EVO smoke sticks: “EVO Honey Lemon Crystal.” The product will be rolled out in stages, beginning with an early release through official channels in December 2025, followed by a nationwide launch across convenience stores and tobacco retailers in January 2026, priced at JPY 550 (approximately USD 3.7).
Dec.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
IMiracle  Announces 2025 R&D Progress with Over 2,200 Patent Applications Worldwide
IMiracle Announces 2025 R&D Progress with Over 2,200 Patent Applications Worldwide
IMiracle announces significant R&D progress in 2025, with over 2,200 patent applications globally and 900 authorized patents.
Dec.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | Airis, Kangvape and HAYATI Launch Christmas-Themed E-cigarettes in UK and US Online Markets
Product | Airis, Kangvape and HAYATI Launch Christmas-Themed E-cigarettes in UK and US Online Markets
As the Christmas holiday season approaches in Europe and North America, e-cigarette brands such as Airis, Kangvape and HAYATI have successively launched Christmas special editions featuring festive-themed designs and selected limited-time flavors, which are now available through online channels in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Dec.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
NZ Government Eyes Sale of Smokeless Tobacco; Critics Warn of “Backslide”
NZ Government Eyes Sale of Smokeless Tobacco; Critics Warn of “Backslide”
Associate Health Minister Casey Costello faced renewed scrutiny in Parliament’s health select committee over her handling of tobacco-related policy and alleged ties to the tobacco industry. The government is considering allowing smokeless nicotine products such as snus and nicotine pouches, provided they meet safety and youth-access regulations.
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai