Moldova protests Russian election plans as authorities tackle illicit tobacco trade

Moldova's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Russian plans to open unauthorized polling stations in the breakaway region of Transnistria for September legislative elections, calling the move "inacceptable" and a breach of national sovereignty.

Domestically, law enforcement in northern Moldova seized nearly 1.9 million contraband cigarettes from two suspects following residential searches targeting an illicit trade network.

Concurrently, education and health authorities warned parents about youth-targeted nicotine pouches. Tobacco company Philip Morris recently introduced the product ahead of an impending ban, asserting that its legal interpretation permits sales to continue through June 2027.

Sources: HotNews, Moldova1, Point, Ziarul de Gardă.