Russian Tourist Detained in Moscow with Load of Cuban Cigars

A Russian woman was taken into custody at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport after authorities discovered a stash of Cuban cigars in her luggage, valued at over one million rubles, approximately $12,600.

The woman was in possession of 75 "Cohiba Espléndidos" cigars, a highly sought-after brand, and failed to declare them to customs officials as required by current regulations.

The Russian Federal Customs Service (FCS) reported the incident on Thursday, explaining that the discovery was made during a routine inspection of the tourist's luggage after she returned from the popular Cuban destination of Varadero.

This case has attracted significant media attention in Russia.

The traveler claimed that the cigars were a gift from friends in Cuba and stated she was unaware of the need to declare such goods at customs.

Nonetheless, authorities have initiated a criminal investigation for large-scale smuggling, a charge in Russia that could result in up to five years in prison or a fine equivalent to the value of the seized cigars.

Inspectors found three wooden boxes, each containing 25 cigars. Experts estimated the total value to exceed one million rubles, which, under Russian law, automatically classifies the case as large-scale illegal transportation of tobacco products.

Cuban Cigars: A Persistent Smuggling Issue

The incident involving the Russian tourist is part of a broader trend of similar cases at Russian airports, particularly at Sheremetyevo, where authorities have intensified checks on passengers arriving from Cuba.

In May of this year, a 32-year-old Cuban national was caught with 369 unbranded cigars, valued at nearly 1.5 million rubles. He claimed they were for personal use and as gifts but was charged with smuggling nonetheless.

Another notable case occurred in December 2024, involving two flight attendants from Rossiya Airlines who were found with a total of 150 cigars, also purchased in Varadero. They faced charges for smuggling strategically important goods after attempting to enter through the "green corridor," intended for travelers without goods to declare.

In June, a 60-year-old Cuban man was detained with 150 cigars in his luggage, including two boxes of Cohíba and several bags of unmarked cigars. The value was estimated at nearly 400,000 rubles. Unable to speak Russian, he couldn't justify his legal non-compliance, as reported by local media.

Growing Black Market Demand

Russian authorities remind that the Eurasian Economic Union regulations permit the importation of only up to 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes per person. Any excess requires a written declaration and the payment of duties.

Since April 1, 2024, smuggling tobacco worth over 100,000 rubles has been classified as a criminal offense.

The steady flow of illegal cigars is partly driven by the high demand for Cuban cigars on Russia's black market. In May 2022, customs police dismantled a trafficking ring operating out of Vnukovo Airport. Two Russian citizens were arrested after more than 6,500 Cuban cigars from brands like Cohíba, Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, and Partagás were found in their apartment, along with 260 bottles of Cuban rum with no tax stamps. The estimated value of this cache exceeded 13 million rubles.

Russia does not require a visa for Cuban tourists visiting for up to 90 days; however, they must register electronically before traveling. Conversely, Russians visiting Cuba often take the opportunity to purchase traditional goods like cigars and rum, with many unaware—or choosing to ignore—customs restrictions upon their return.