Border guards in Lithuania’s Šalčininkai district discovered hidden compartments containing Belarusian cigarettes in a local woman’s car. The value of the shipment, including mandatory taxes, was estimated at 5,510 euros.
Officers from the Gintaras Žagunis border checkpoint stopped a VW Golf for inspection on the Dieveniškės–Šalčininkai road on the afternoon of September 1. The location is at the exit from the so-called Dieveniškės Loop, which is surrounded on all sides by Belarusian territory. Border guards check all people and vehicles on this section of the road. The car was driven by a 30-year-old resident of the Šalčininkai district.
Suspecting that the vehicle might be carrying illegal goods, border guards took the car for a detailed inspection. During the search, specially equipped hidden compartments were discovered in the passenger compartment and trunk. They contained 1,000 packs of NZ Gold cigarettes bearing Belarusian excise stamps. Their value, including all taxes that would have had to be paid in Lithuania, amounted to 5,510 euros.
Administrative proceedings were initiated against the driver for transporting excise goods in violation of established procedures. She faces a fine of between 5,200 and 6,000 euros, as well as confiscation of the vehicle. The administrative case is scheduled to be heard in two weeks. Until then, the cigarettes and the vehicle will remain in storage at the border checkpoint, the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service reported.
