The SBU blocked illegal import of tobacco products at Odesa International Airport. SBU officers found 100,000 packs of cigarettes with an estimated value of more than UAH 3 m. (USD 107,142).

Law enforcement established that the organizers delivered tobacco products by air from a Gulf country to Ukraine. Consignments of cigarettes were hidden from customs control and imported under the guise of consumer goods.

Currently, all people involved in the illegal scheme are being identified within the criminal proceedings. The issue of seizing excisable products is being resolved.

A pre-trial investigation is underway.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Main Directorate for Counterintelligence Protection of the State's Economic Interests jointly with representatives of Odesa Airport customs post.

The SBU systematically counteracts the illegal import of excisable goods into Ukraine. We remind that in early February, the SBU blocked the illegal import of a large consignment of cigarettes at Boryspil International Airport.