In the Smolensk Region, customs officers seized more than half a million packs of unmarked Belarusian cigarettes; the consignment is preliminarily valued at over RUB 81 million. Source: FCS Russia.
The truck was stopped near the settlement of Gnezdovo. Shipping papers claimed a load of over 19 tonnes of Belarusian kvass. Inspection found something else: nine brands of cigarettes without excise stamps and without supporting documents.
Officers counted 535 thousand packs in total. Investigators believe the driver acted with as yet unidentified accomplices.
A criminal case was opened under Article 226.1(2)(c) of the Russian Criminal Code (unlawful movement of strategically important goods on a large scale by a group acting by prior conspiracy). The penalty may include up to ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to RUB 1 million. The operation was carried out jointly with the Smolensk Region directorate of the Federal Security Service.
