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

Australia TGA Warns Delivery Platforms: Don’t Promote or Supply Vapes Illegally

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warned online delivery platforms not to breach Australian vape laws and said it worked with two major companies to remove non-compliant material. Under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, advertising vapes to the public is banned and sales are pharmacy-only; tobacconists and convenience stores cannot supply vapes. TGA will continue enforcement, with severe penalties for breaches.

Oct.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai

2Firsts Observation｜U.S. Launches Largest-Ever Vape Enforcement Drive as Federal and State Authorities Tighten Regulations

The U.S. has tightened vaping regulations nationwide. The DOJ, FDA, CBP and DEA seized millions of illegal devices in the largest-ever enforcement action. Several states introduced new laws with registries, packaging limits, and criminal penalties, signaling a shift toward institutionalized regulation and higher compliance costs.

Oct.17

U.S. Lawmakers Seek to Empower HHS to Destroy Counterfeit Chinese Tobacco Products

Bipartisan members of the U.S. Congress have introduced the “Ensuring the Necessary Destruction of Illicit Chinese Tobacco Act” (END Act), seeking to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to directly destroy adulterated, misbranded, or counterfeit imported tobacco products.Major tobacco companies, including Altria, along with several public health organizations, have announced their support for the bill.

Nov.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai

£600,000 of Illegal Goods Seized in West Yorkshire Raids Targeting Vape and Tobacco Laundering

Nearly £600,000 worth of illegal goods were seized in coordinated raids across West Yorkshire as part of Operation Machinize, a nationwide crackdown targeting cash-intensive businesses suspected of laundering money through mini-markets, vape shops, and barbershops.