In Odesa region, law enforcers find smuggled cigarettes worth over UAH 50 mln

The SBU Security Service of Ukraine says a gang, which is part of an international smuggling ring, has set up a channel of delivery into Ukraine beyond customs control of cigarettes of world famous brands.

Perpetrators apparently used Ukraine as a transit territory to smuggle cigarettes further to the EU, the SBU press service reports.

During warranted searches carried out in Ukraine's southern Odesa region within the ongoing investigation into the illicit activities, law enforcers revealed smuggled cigarettes worth more than UAH 50 million (slightly under $2 million), according to estimates.

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Nearly 7,000 cigarette boxes without excise duty stamps and relevant documents was seized, the report reads.

At the same location, security officials found equipment for the illegal production of excisable goods.

Pretrial investigation is under way.