According to an FCS Russia press release, Adler border officers detected an attempt to smuggle cigarettes hidden “in a teddy bear” and in vehicle concealments.
The haul was found during customs control of a UAZ Hunter arriving from Abkhazia: 250 packs in total. A white teddy bear on the rear seat drew officers’ attention.
Scanning with a mobile inspection complex revealed concealed goods: 150 packs inside the soft toy and 100 under the driver’s seat, in the glove box, and in a front-seat cover pocket. The tobacco lacked Russian excise stamps and mandatory identification marking.
The driver admitted he had hidden the goods deliberately, aware of import restrictions. The cigarettes and vehicle were seized; administrative proceedings were opened under Articles 16.1(2) and 16.3 of the Russian Code of Administrative Offences.
