Kazakhstan Authorities Seize Smuggled E-Cigarettes from Russia

Feb.08
Kazakhstan Authorities Seize Smuggled E-Cigarettes from Russia
Kazakhstan authorities seize smuggled e-cigarettes from Russia, violating country's strict tobacco laws.

According to Kaztag's report on February 8th, authorities in Kazakhstan intercepted a shipment of e-cigarette products attempting to be smuggled from Russia into Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan Authorities Seize Smuggled E-Cigarettes from Russia
13,420 e-cigarettes, 2,080 e-cigarette liquids, and 15,050 pieces of smokeless tobacco products (SNUS) were seized. | Image source: SRC


According to a press release from the State Revenue Committee (SRC) of the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan, the Aktope border customs office (DGD) and the Border Guard Service of the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan (KNB RK) carried out a joint operation and intercepted two freight vehicles. The vehicles were originally supposed to travel from the Russian Federation through Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan, according to the shipment plan.


After inspecting the accompanying documents of the goods, the relevant department decided to check the declared "grinding machine for pipeline valve flat sealing surface" commodities. Upon inspection, a total of 13,420 e-cigarettes, 2,080 e-cigarettee liquids, and 15,050 pieces of smokeless tobacco products (SNUS) were seized. The seized products are suspected to bear brand markings such as "OXBAR" and "LYFT.


As of June 20, 2024, Kazakhstan has banned and made it a criminal offense to traffic in non-tobacco products, e-cigarettes, their flavorings, and e-liquids. The production, import, sale, and distribution of these products will be subject to criminal penalties.


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