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.

References:

[1] ГТК: выявлена попытка перемещения из Литвы 2,2 тонны запрещенного к ввозу жевательного табака

Also Read:

[1] Changes in Belarus' Tax-Free Regulations for Imported Goods

#Europe #Law enforcement #Traditional tobacco #Belarus #Smuggled cigarettes

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

Product | 2Firsts Exclusive: Breaking Down Pachamama 25K, CHUC’s First U.S.-Made Factory Product

U.S. e-cigarette company Charlie’s has brought its first domestic manufacturing facility online, launching the disposable Pachamama 25K, which will initially roll out to 300 retail stores in Texas. The device features a 20 ml e-liquid capacity with 5% nicotine, three power modes and a built-in 1000 mAh battery, and is advertised to deliver up to 25,000 puffs.

Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Philippine DOH Calls for Nationwide Vape Ban Amid Surging Youth Use

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) has warned that youth vaping has reached alarming levels. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa stressed that despite regulations limiting vaping to adults aged 18 and above, minors—many in school uniforms—are frequently seen using vape devices. Criticizing the industry’s youth-targeted marketing tactics, Herbosa said the government should consider a nationwide total ban on vape products.

Nov.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai

JTI Plans New Factory in Romania, Set for Completion in 2027

JTI has announced plans to build a new factory in Ștefăneștii de Jos to replace its current Bucharest site, which faces space constraints. The project is expected to be completed in 2027, with ground works starting soon. The company highlighted ongoing efforts to expand capacity and modernize its Romanian operations.

Nov.28

South Korea National Assembly Approves Bill to Regulate E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Law After Nine Years of Debate

South Korea’s National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee passed a long-debated amendment to the Tobacco Business Act on November 26, expanding the legal definition of tobacco to include synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes. The amendment aims to end the regulatory blind spot surrounding such products while ensuring transitional support for vape retailers and a grace period for compliance.