“The Southern Customs department continues its continuous struggle against the illegal import of cigarettes from the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In January 2024, several similar cases were revealed.
Thus, on January 15, during the customs control carried out at the Meghri customs point on the truck carrying cement from Iran too Armenia, the customs officers suspected that there might be cigarettes hidden in the truck. To thorough inspection, the truck was escorted to the customs control zone of “South Terminal” CJSC. As a result of the customs inspection, 2500 packs of cigarettes were found in the side aluminum profiles of the semi-trailer.
In another case, on January 21, consequently of the customs inspection of a Georgian registration truck carrying metal products from Iran to Armenia, 1900 packs of cigarettes were found in the semi-trailer’s secret compartment and under the laminate layer attached to the front wall.
During 2023, the employees of the Meghri customs office found a total of 56 thousand 795 packs of cigarettes illegally imported from Iran by concealment and non-declaration from customs control in 117 cases. In addition, in 4 cases, 4950 packs of heated cigarette rolls and 50 electric devices for heated cigarettes were found exported from Armenia to Iran.
Proceedings regarding the violation of customs rules were initiated in the Southern customs Department in the aforementioned cases, in accordance with Articles 313 and 316 of the RA Law “On Customs Regulation”.
Various tricks and methods of concealment are used to illegally transport cigarettes from Iran to Armenia, in particular, they use pre-prepared hiding places in different parts of the structure of trucks and buses, as a camouflage product, cargoes imported by various organizations engaged in legal activities are used, as well as individuals sometimes hide cigarettes. are on their person and in accompanying baggage.
The SRC urges citizens to refrain from using similar tricks and organize the transportation of goods across the RA state border exclusively legally.”
How can the community help combat illegal cigarette smuggling in Armenia?
Interview: The Ongoing Battle Against Illegal Cigarette Imports from Iran
In this exclusive interview, the Time.news editor speaks with customs regulation expert Dr. Aram Ter-Khachatryan about the meaningful issue of illegal cigarette imports from Iran, especially focusing on recent cases and their implications for public health and regulatory practices.
Editor: Dr.Ter-Khachatryan, thank you for joining us today.Recent reports from the Southern Customs department highlight a concerning rise in illegal cigarette imports from iran. Can you explain the scale of this issue?
Dr. Ter-Khachatryan: Thank you for having me.Yes, the situation is quite alarming. In 2023 alone, the Meghri customs office reported the illegal import of over 56,795 packs of cigarettes from Iran, uncovering 117 separate cases. Just in january 2024, two significant instances were revealed where hidden compartments in trucks were utilized to smuggle thousands of cigarette packs. This indicates a systematic effort to bypass customs regulations.
Editor: What methods are smugglers using to hide these cigarettes, and why do you think illegal imports are on the rise?
Dr. Ter-Khachatryan: smugglers are employing increasingly sophisticated techniques to conceal cigarettes. Thay utilize pre-prepared hiding places within truck structures and disguise their loads with legitimate goods. On occasion, individuals even attempt to conceal cigarettes on their person or in luggage. The rise in illegal imports can be attributed to factors such as economic pressures, the high price of tobacco products, and the persistent demand for cheaper alternatives.
Editor: How does the Southern Customs department currently address these challenges?
Dr. Ter-Khachatryan: The Southern Customs department is actively conducting inspections and has initiated legal proceedings against those violating customs rules. They rely on vigilance and intelligence gathering to flag suspicious shipments for thorough examination. The authorities are also increasing public awareness, urging citizens to avoid illegal transportation methods and adhere to proper customs regulations.
Editor: What are the implications of these illegal cigarette imports for Armenia?
Dr. Ter-Khachatryan: The ramifications are significant. First, illegal cigarettes evade taxation, leading to lost revenue for the government. Additionally, these products often do not meet health standards, posing serious risks to public health. There’s also an economic impact on legal businesses that comply with regulations. Thus, addressing illegal imports is crucial for both public health and the sustainability of the legal market.
Editor: What advice would you give citizens concerned about this issue?
Dr. Ter-Khachatryan: It’s vital for citizens to understand the risks associated with illegal cigarettes. I encourage everyone to purchase tobacco products through legitimate channels to ensure quality and compliance with health regulations. By supporting legal businesses, customers help to bolster the economy while also fostering adherence to customs laws.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ter-Khachatryan, for your insights into this ongoing issue. It’s evident that tackling illegal cigarette imports from iran requires the collaborative effort of the customs department and the community.
Dr. Ter-Khachatryan: Thank you for this critically importent discussion. Awareness and compliance are key in combating this problem effectively.