In Zakarpattia, two draft dodgers and a record batch of smuggled cigarettes were found in the hidden compartments of a minibus

A resident of Zakarpattia was detained while attempting to smuggle two conscription-aged men and 20,000 packs of cigarettes across the border.

This was reported by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

According to the State Border Guard Service, each of the conscription-aged men paid the transporter $15,000 for their exit from the country. Additionally, the driver hid 20,000 packs of cigarettes under the lining of the cargo compartment.

However, the border guards discovered these hiding places.

“The resident of Zakarpattia diversified his illegal business: he decided to smuggle both cigarettes and people across the border simultaneously. To conceal everything from the border guards, he created a niche where he hid the passengers. He charged them $30,000 accordingly. The 20,000 (!) packs of cigarettes were placed under the lining of the cargo compartment. The tobacco was confiscated, and administrative protocols were drawn up for the passengers. The driver’s actions entail criminal liability,” writes the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.