The SBU exposed a consignment of illegally imported excisable goods at Odesa International Airport. SBU operatives seized 100,000 packs of cigarettes. Estimated value tops UAH 3 million (USD 107,142).

Law enforcement found that the illegal cargo was shipped from a Gulf country. According to documents, cigarettes were imported under the guise of consumer goods.

Within the initiated criminal proceedings, SBU officers carried out searches of recipient company and residences of people involved in illegal services.

A pre-trial investigation is underway.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Main Directorate for CI Protection of State Economic Interests jointly with the SBU Main Investigation Department in Kyiv and Kyiv Region under the supervision of Kyiv Region Prosecutor's Office.

The SBU systematically counteracts smuggling of goods. In March 2021, the SBU blocked smuggling of cigarettes for UAH 15 million (USD 535,714) in Odesa seaport.