Smuggling of Camel Chewing Tobacco Seized at Belarus Border

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.09.2024
Smuggling of Camel Chewing Tobacco Seized at Belarus Border
A Renault Magnum truck carrying smuggled goods from Lithuania was seized at the Kotlovka checkpoint in Belarus.

According to reports from Belarus today, a Renault Magnum truck was detained at the Kotlovka border crossing, carrying a shipment of smuggled goods from Lithuania.

 

The vehicle was initially loaded with self-adhesive labels, but during customs inspection, authorities discovered over 67,000 cans of camel chew tobacco in the front section of the semi-trailer. Preliminary estimates suggest that the total value of this cargo is approximately 835,000 rubles (or around $2,996).

 

Preliminary analysis by the Grodno Customs in the region indicates that the non-tobacco products in these cans contain tobacco particles from the Solanaceae family of plants. Further investigation by the authorities reveals that this batch of camel chewing gum was added in the region of Lithuania.

 

However, this smuggling incident is not an isolated occurrence. In fact, the driver of this truck is a citizen of Belarus who, driven by monetary rewards, opened up the cargo area of the vehicle to unidentified individuals, attempting to transport this batch of prohibited goods across the customs border.

 

According to Article 228, paragraph 3 of the Criminal Code, the Belarusian customs authorities have initiated criminal proceedings against the driver and other individuals involved, accusing them of illegally transporting a large quantity of prohibited or restricted goods across the customs border of the Eurasian Economic Union. Furthermore, it is alleged that this action was premeditated. As per this provision, the punishment for this offense ranges from five to ten years imprisonment, along with possible fines.

 

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

ACT Government Bill Targets Illicit Tobacco and Vapes with Tougher Powers
ACT Government Bill Targets Illicit Tobacco and Vapes with Tougher Powers
ACT Government Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith introduced the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Amendment Bill 2025, expanding authorised officers’ inspection, seizure and penalty powers to address illicit tobacco and vaping. The Bill enables $1,600 infringement notices for selling prohibited smoking products and classifies illicit tobacco as a prohibited smoking product under Territory law.
Oct.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore's Bishan MRT station security officers apprehended a man who discarded an e-cigarette, as crackdown efforts intensify
Singapore's Bishan MRT station security officers apprehended a man who discarded an e-cigarette, as crackdown efforts intensify
Security officers at Bishan MRT station in Singapore apprehended a man who evaded security and found his discarded e-cigarette in nearby bushes. The man pleaded guilty to the offence, and the case was referred to the Health Sciences Authority. The incident is part of Singapore's intensified, government-wide crackdown on e-cigarette use.
Sep.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI: Illicit Trade in Smoke-Free Products in the Philippines Could Reach 80%; Major Gap Between China’s Exports and PH Imports
PMI: Illicit Trade in Smoke-Free Products in the Philippines Could Reach 80%; Major Gap Between China’s Exports and PH Imports
At the Financial Times Illicit Trade Forum in Taguig City, Rodney Van Dooren, Regional Illicit Trade Expert at Philip Morris International (PMI), said illicit consumption of smoke-free products (including e-cigarettes) in the Philippines “could be as high as 80%.” He cited a large discrepancy between China’s e-cigarette export figures and the Philippines’ official import data, suggesting significant volumes are entering outside formal channels.
Sep.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
InterTabac 2025 Insights|Lipstick-Like Design: HAYATI Unveils Pod System, Now Listed on Online Dealer Sites
InterTabac 2025 Insights|Lipstick-Like Design: HAYATI Unveils Pod System, Now Listed on Online Dealer Sites
At InterTabac 2025 in Dortmund, Germany, vaping brand HAYATI showcased its new product Hayati Liora, drawing attention with a lipstick-style exterior. The device uses 2 ml pods and is compatible with both pre-filled and refillable/open pods.
Sep.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Samsung's battery explosion case proceeds as court finds manufacturer maintained “sufficient contacts” with the state
Samsung's battery explosion case proceeds as court finds manufacturer maintained “sufficient contacts” with the state
The Minnesota Court of Appeals has ruled that Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., a South Korean battery manufacturer, is subject to Minnesota jurisdiction in a product-liability case involving a vape battery explosion. The court found the company had “sufficient minimum contacts” with the state through extensive business activity.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China’s E-Cigarette Exports Reached USD 879 Million in September 2025, Down 6.08% MoM— U.S. Remains Top Market, Russia Falls Sharply
China’s E-Cigarette Exports Reached USD 879 Million in September 2025, Down 6.08% MoM— U.S. Remains Top Market, Russia Falls Sharply
In September 2025, China’s total e-cigarette exports reached USD 879 million, representing a 6.08% decline month-on-month but a 3.41% increase year-on-year.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai