Zhoghovurd newspaper of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes as follows, in particular: Many times Zhoghovurd daily has reflected on [the fact] that the RA Government is unable to establish law and order in the tobacco market and there are large-scale contraband products in Armenia.

Especially after the recent changes in the SRC [(State Revenue Committee)], we receive information that the cases of buying cigarettes from neighboring Georgia—more specifically, from Duty Free at the three existing customs points—have become more active. Cigarettes are brought to Armenia through individuals, in small batches, and then their sale is organized through Telegram channels, social media, and list.am.

It seems that this process is not being carried out in a chaotic manner, but that we are dealing with an organized group, the threads of which lead to the circle of one of the big Armenian businessmen, whose name we do not disclose yet, as active work is being done in this regard.

It’s interesting whether the new SRC chairman, Eduard Hakobyan, will be able to show results, or whether he will be satisfied with one or two cosmetic steps [in this regard].