Smuggled cigarettes worth over US$700,000 seized in Odesa seaport

A major batch of smuggled cigarettes worth UAH 20 million (over US$700,000) was seized in the Odesa seaport earlier today, November 17, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

The report says the Ukrainian security agency in cooperation with the Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of the UK government has blocked the illegal import of a large consignment of tobacco products to Ukraine with the intended further partial transit to Europe.

"According to a tip we received, including from foreign partners, security operatives found in Odesa sea trade port a batch of cigarettes of a world-famous brand with a total weight of almost 16 tonnes," the statement said.

The goods were illegally shipped to one of the private container terminals.

Read alsoTax on new passenger cars in Ukraine may soar from 2021At the lowest wholesale prices on the Ukrainian black market, the seized batch would cost almost UAH 20 million.

Perpetrators concealed smuggled cigarette boxes among textile produce to evade customs and other mandatory payments.

Relevant procedural actions to seize contraband goods are underway.

The raid was carried out with the assistance of Odesa Customs.

Smuggling: Other reports

• Expert estimates smuggling in Ukraine at US$12 bln annually
• Law enforcers find almost 60 kg of cocaine at Ukraine's Pivdenny seaport
• Border guards: Man forges diplomatic ID, packs van with cigarettes, attempts to cross out to Hungary
• SBU prevents warship equipment smuggling attempt to Russia