Discovery of Underground Tobacco Factory in Ukraine

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.09.2024
Discovery of Underground Tobacco Factory in Ukraine
Ukrainian police have uncovered an underground tobacco factory hidden in an abandoned military base, with a production capacity of 50,000 cigarette packs per day.

According to a recent report by Epravda, Ukrainian police have discovered an underground tobacco factory in the Cherkasy region. This factory was hidden within an abandoned military base and featured highly industrialized tobacco production lines, as well as specialized facilities for drying and packaging tobacco. These efficient facilities have led to exceptionally high productivity in this underground factory.

 

In order to conceal their crimes, the founder of this factory not only used a diesel power plant to ensure a steady electricity supply, thus avoiding any suspicious traces on the power grid, but also installed a surveillance system around the factory to promptly detect and deceive police searches. The production capacity of this factory can reach up to 50,000 packs of cigarettes per day, with over 150,000 packs accumulated in the warehouse.

 

The police confirmed the existence of the factory earlier this year and proceeded to completely shut it down. It was reported that the equipment and products seized from the factory had a value of 20 million Grivnas (530,000 US dollars).

 

Meanwhile, the police have also discovered that the products of this underground factory are mostly distributed to the markets in Cherkasy, Kiev, and Vinnytsia regions through wholesale and retail channels, being sold under the disguise of other tobacco manufacturers' products.

 

Currently, the Ukrainian authorities have initiated a criminal investigation under local criminal laws into the illegal manufacture, storage, sale, and transportation of counterfeit stamped goods. They have also begun gathering evidence with the intention of prosecuting the organizers and participants of this underground black market.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Latvian Parliament Gives Initial Support to E-Cigarette Deposit Scheme Amendments
Latvian Parliament Gives Initial Support to E-Cigarette Deposit Scheme Amendments
On April 1, Latvia’s parliament gave conceptual support to amendments to the Waste Management Law that would introduce a deposit system for e-cigarettes in order to reduce pollution and environmental harm caused by these products.
Apr.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI’s Smoke-Free Business Accounts for 43% of Net Revenues in Q1 as Full-Year EPS Guidance Rises
PMI’s Smoke-Free Business Accounts for 43% of Net Revenues in Q1 as Full-Year EPS Guidance Rises
On April 22, 2026, Philip Morris International released its first-quarter 2026 results. The report showed net revenues of $10.146 billion, up 9.1% year on year; adjusted diluted EPS of $1.96, up 16.0%; and smoke-free products accounting for 43% of total net revenues. Based on first-quarter performance, the company raised its 2026 full-year adjusted diluted EPS forecast to $8.36 to $8.51, or $8.11 to $8.26 excluding currency.
Apr.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris Japan Unveils TEREA “Blossom Pearl” for IQOS ILUMA
Philip Morris Japan Unveils TEREA “Blossom Pearl” for IQOS ILUMA
Philip Morris Japan announced that it will launch “TEREA Blossom Pearl,” a new tobacco stick for IQOS ILUMA, on May 11. The new product will expand the TEREA lineup to 27 variants. It features a capsule menthol flavor with strawberry and subtle herbal notes and is priced at JPY 620, or about USD 4.14 based on an assumed rate of 1 JPY = 0.00668 USD. The exchange-rate source should be verified and added.
Apr.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Brazilian Research Institutions Prepare Joint Recommendations on Electronic Smoking Device Studies
Brazilian Research Institutions Prepare Joint Recommendations on Electronic Smoking Device Studies
Brazil’s National Cancer Institute, the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, and other research institutions are preparing a joint letter with recommendations and guidance for studies on electronic smoking devices, including e-cigarettes, vapes, and similar products. The guidelines were discussed on April 14 and 15 at the seminar “Building a Priority Research Agenda on Electronic Smoking Devices for Brazil” in Rio de Janeiro.
Apr.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russian Lawmaker Says Bill on Full Vape Sales Ban Is Before State Duma
Russian Lawmaker Says Bill on Full Vape Sales Ban Is Before State Duma
Yaroslav Nilov, chair of the State Duma Committee on Labour, Social Policy and Veterans’ Affairs, said a bill proposing a full ban on vape sales is currently before the State Duma, though no final decision has yet been made. He said the initiative has been signed by representatives of almost all factions and noted that support for a full ban has also been voiced at the regional governor level. Nilov also said vape use in Russia is increasing while the age of consumers is declining.
Mar.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JTI Korea Introduces Ploom AURA With Four Heating Modes and Four Device Colors
JTI Korea Introduces Ploom AURA With Four Heating Modes and Four Device Colors
JTI Korea announced that its next-generation heated tobacco device Ploom AURA will officially launch in South Korea on April 14. The company held a media event on March 31 at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul Hotel to unveil the product in Korea for the first time.
Apr.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai