Large Smuggling Operation Uncovered: Nearly 10,000 Boxes of Unreported Cigarettes Found Among Cement Bags

The South Customs Department of the State Revenue Committee continues its uncompromising fight against the illegal import of cigarettes from the Islamic Republic of Iran. Recently, yet another significant case has been revealed.

Specifically, during an inspection of the driver's cabin of a truck arriving at the Meghri customs checkpoint, 880 boxes of unreported cigarettes were discovered. Customs officials suspected that a large quantity of cigarettes could be hidden within the cement-laden truck, which prompted a thorough customs inspection.

The truck was escorted to the temporary storage facility of the South Terminal LLC, where, during monitoring, around 10,000 boxes of cigarettes were found among cement bags.

Since January 1, 2023, employees of the South Customs Department have uncovered a total of 84 cases of illegal transfer of 47,543 boxes of cigarettes hidden from customs control and not declared through the Agarak state border crossing point. Administrative proceedings have been initiated under Articles 313 and 316 of the RA Law on Customs Regulation.

It is noteworthy that the customs officers are also focused on preventing the import of cigarettes marked with counterfeit excise stamps into the Republic of Armenia, including those declared as personal use goods. In 2023, reports have been submitted by the State Revenue Committee to the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia regarding three cases identified at the Meghri customs point, aimed at determining the initiation of criminal proceedings under Article 289 of the Armenian Criminal Code.