According to recent reports from Ukrainian media outlet Odessa, law enforcement officers in Odessa region have seized over 6 tons of shisha tobacco and around one million packs of untaxed branded cigarettes. These illicit stockpiles of cigarettes were intended for sale through wholesale channels and even planned for distribution to other regions of Ukraine via mail.
The total value of these illegal tobacco products is estimated to be close to 103 million Grivnas (approximately 19.8 million RMB). Police investigation has revealed that these “traders” had leased a warehouse in the industrial area of Odessa city, where they stored these illegal tobacco products. During the search operation, law enforcement officers confiscated a total of 1.2 million packs of various brands of cigarettes, as well as over 6.5 tons of untaxed water pipe tobacco.
This criminal organization was involved in the wholesale and retail of cigarettes through rented stalls, restaurants, and courier services. Prosecutors have made an application to the court, seeking the seizure of the confiscated cigarettes.
At present, the police are taking measures to identify all individuals involved in this illegal activity and prosecute them.
