VIDEO: 7500 cigarette boxes attempted to be smuggled into Armenia

The South Customs Department of the State Revenue Committee has recently uncovered a significant case of illegal tobacco importation. According to the State Revenue Committee, "Eight trucks transporting a batch of cement clinker with a preliminary customs declaration from Iran to Armenia were subjected to customs control at the Meghri customs checkpoint, including X-ray inspection. As a result, suspicions arose that cigarettes might be hidden in the dump trucks. To conduct a thorough examination, the trucks were escorted to the customs control area of the Southern Terminal LLC, where customs inspections revealed that a total of 7500 boxes of cigarettes were hidden from customs control in 7 out of 8 trucks registered in Armenia. In recent years, various concealment methods have been employed for the illegal import of tobacco from Iran. However, this case is notable as the method used is considered quite difficult to detect. More than 20 tons of cement clinker were used as a concealing product, within which 1000 to 1500 boxes of cigarettes were hidden in each truck," the statement reads.

Administrative proceedings regarding violations of customs regulations under the provisions of Article 313 of the RA Law on Customs Regulation have been initiated by the South Customs Department. After the proceedings are completed, fines of 1 million drams may be imposed on the drivers of the said trucks.