...and you thought Esplendidos were expensive already ...

[El Presidente]

https://en.cibercuba.com/noticias/2025-11-23-u1-e129488-s27061-nid315385-arrestan-turista-rusa-moscu-cargamento-tabacos

Russian tourist arrested in Moscow with a shipment of Cuban cigars

The incident was reported last Thursday by the Federal Customs Service of Russia.

 

Sunday, November 23, 2025 - 4:32 PM

 

A Russian woman returning from Varadero was arrested at Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow after a shipment of Cuban cigars valued at over one million rubles, approximately $12,600, was discovered in her luggage.

The detained individual was carrying 75 units of the brand “Cohiba Espléndidos,” one of the most sought-after cigars on the market, without declaring them to the customs authorities as required by current legislation.

The incident was reported last Thursday by the Federal Customs Service of Russia (FCS), whose press department explained that the discovery occurred during the inspection of the tourist's luggage, coming from the popular Cuban destination.

The case has generated significant media attention in the Russian press.

According to statements from the passenger herself, the cigars were a gift from friends in Cuba and she stated that she was unaware of the need to declare this type of merchandise at customs.

However, the authorities opened a criminal case for large-scale smuggling, a crime that in Russia can result in up to five years in prison or a fine equivalent to the value of the seized tobacco.

The inspectors found three wooden boxes, each containing 25 cigars.

The total value was estimated by experts at over one million rubles, which, according to the Russian Penal Code, automatically categorizes the case as large-scale illegal trafficking of tobacco products.

[Salomones]

Do they really have these 'rustikal' wrappers?