Baku: A large-scale smuggling attempt involving tobacco products brought illegally into the country was prevented as a result of comprehensive customs control and operational-search measures carried out by the State Customs Committee, the State Customs Service told APA-Economics.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, a group of individuals acting in prior collusion used forged documents deceptively to smuggle 10 million unmarked ‘Boston’ cigarettes worth AZN 1.5 million into Azerbaijan from Trkiye. The cigarettes, packed in 1,000 cardboard boxes, were hidden behind a shipment declared as ‘fertilizer’ in a way designed to complicate detection. Suspects involved in the smuggling operation were detained.
A criminal case has been launched by the Main Operational-Investigative Department of the State Customs Committee under Articles 206.3.2, 213-1.2.1, and 213-1.2.3 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan. Three individuals identified as participants in the crimes have been charged and placed under arrest by court decision.
Investigative and operational measures are ongoing to identify and bring to justice all persons involved in the crimes.