The operation brought together the customs authorities of Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania through real-time information sharing, coordinated risk profiling, and harmonized controls, and helped the customs authorities of the three countries transform fragmented national controls into a coordinated regional response.
The operation resulted in two major seizures.
One occurred on June 30, when a refrigerated truck carrying “fresh strawberries” approached the Mamalyga-Kriva border crossing on its way from Ukraine to Moldova.
Customs officials discovered 357,000 packs of “Rhythm” cigarettes without excise stamps inside. The value of the shipment was estimated at 290,000–385,000 euros.
Less than a month later, on July 25, officers discovered structural anomalies in another truck at the same checkpoint. Its tanker had been declared empty. A detailed inspection revealed 105,000 packs of cigarettes hidden inside, worth approximately 85,000 euros.
During 25 major operations, officials seized more than 9.4 million cigarettes. They also intercepted over a metric ton of other tobacco products, 2,200 tobacco heating sticks, and 3.25 kg of hookah tobacco.
The operation also uncovered undeclared cash equivalent to 672,650 euros, as well as chemicals and toxic substances, alcohol, two types of weapons, and two pairs of expensive watches.
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