Customs Officers in Sheremetyevo Airport Seize 119 Kg of Undeclared Chewing Tobacco
On March 25, 2025, a significant incident unfolded at Sheremetyevo Airport when customs officers discovered a staggering 119 kilograms of undeclared chewing tobacco. This discovery marks yet another enforcement action in the ongoing battle against tobacco smuggling in Russia.
During a routine customs control, Sheremetyevo customs officers identified the illicit goods while checking the luggage of two foreign passengers en route to Samarkand. The officials utilized X-ray equipment to inspect the passengers' four pieces of luggage, ultimately uncovering a total of 4,150 packages of the nicotine-laden product.
The total value of the seized chewing tobacco is reported to be approximately 1 million 730 thousand rubles. According to the Federal Customs Service of Russia, the two passengers admitted purchasing the tobacco at a market in Moscow, intending to sell it in Uzbekistan. "Sheremetyevo customs officers, during customs control, discovered 119 kg of chewing tobacco from two foreign citizens flying to Samarkand," the agency stated in a press release.
This incident has serious legal implications for the detained passengers. The authorities launched two administrative cases due to the failure to declare the goods. Penalties under Russian law can be severe, with fines ranging from half to double the value of the seized items, alongside potential confiscation of the products. According to the agency, "This article provides for a fine ranging from half to double the cost of the detained goods with the possibility of their confiscation."
Moreover, the Federal Customs Service has clarified the legal restrictions surrounding the transportation of tobacco products. In accordance with the 2017 decision by the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Council, individuals transporting tobacco for personal use are limited to a maximum of 250 grams. Thus, any quantities exceeding this limit can lead to significant regulatory action. "Tobacco products are limited to transportation. One individual over the age of 18 can transport no more than 250 g of chewing tobacco for personal purposes," the statement emphasized.
This isn't the first instance of such an event at Russian airports. In recent months, there have been reports of numerous incidents involving large quantities of undeclared tobacco products entering the country. For example, in a similar operation at Pulkovo Airport, customs seized several bags containing what amounted to a year’s supply of Chinese cigarettes, totaling around ten kilograms, valued at over 50 thousand rubles.
The issue of tobacco smuggling continues to pose significant challenges for Russian authorities, as the market for contraband goods remains robust. With prices for such products often lower in neighboring countries, individuals and organized groups frequently attempt to exploit loopholes in customs regulations to maximize profits at the cost of compliance with the law.
As enforcement measures are strengthened at border points, customs officials remain vigilant in their efforts to detect and prevent the transportation of undeclared goods. Incidents like the one at Sheremetyevo Airport serve as a warning to potential traffickers about the stringent checks implemented at airports and border crossings across Russia.
In conclusion, the successful detection of 119 kg of undeclared chewing tobacco at Sheremetyevo Airport underscores the vital role of customs officers in maintaining compliance with tobacco regulations and safeguarding public health. As authorities continue to clamp down on smuggling operations, it is imperative to adhere to the legal guidelines in place, ensuring that such incidents become increasingly rare.
