The SBU prevented tobacco smuggling from the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region.

The operatives established that two residents of Toretsk and Hranitne cities were trying to organize smuggling of tobacco products manufactured in the so-called DNR. The offenders transported the cargo on floats across the Kalmius River, transshipped it in vans, and then planned to deliver to other Ukrainian regions via postal service.

Law enforcement officers detained the masterminds near Hranitne city during the transportation of goods. The SBU found and seized more than 100,000 packs of cigarettes of a well-known brand without excise stamps worth over UAH 4.5 million (USD 165,000).

The investigation is ongoing within a criminal proceeding initiated for illegal manufacturing, storage and transportation for the purpose of sale of excisable goods.

Other persons involved in illegal activities are being established. The SBU is trying to identify possible attempts of illegal import of counterfeit products in the areas adjacent to the contact line.

The operation was performed jointly with the Armed Forces of Ukraine under the procedural guidance of the Prosecutor's Office of Donetsk region.