An urgent bill amending the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes has been tabled in parliament.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine on April 23 filed with the Verkhovna Rada a draft law laying down criminal punishment for regular smuggling.
That's according to the Verkhovna Rada press service.
Criminal liability for smuggling of goods was effectively lifted back in 2012.
At the moment, the Criminal Code provides such liability only for smuggling of arms, ammunition, explosives, poisonous and radioactive material, as well as spy gear and objects of cultural heritage.
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Sanctions against smugglers
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky enforced the decision by the National Security and Defense Council of April 2 to impose sanctions on the so-called "TOP 10 smugglers".
Amid the latest measures taken to curb smuggling, more than 100 customs officers have been suspended.
Later, Zelensky announced more sanctions in the field, this time against 12 individuals believed to be involved in major smuggling schemes.