Birmingham City Council seizes millions worth of illegal goods

Jan.23.2025
Birmingham City Council seizes millions worth of illegal goods
Birmingham City Council seizes nearly £6 million worth of illegal e-cigarettes and tobacco products.

According to a report by Birmingham Mail on January 21st, the Birmingham City Council recently seized e-cigarettes, tobacco, and other goods worth nearly £6 million.


Since its launch in September 2024, the city council has seized nearly £5.7 million worth of goods from stores across the city, including 10,374 illegal e-cigarettes, 236 large bottles of nitrous oxide and related materials, 18,916 packs of cigarettes (totaling 378,320 cigarettes), 2,730 packs of tobacco, class B drugs, 187 packs of unlicensed snuff, and thousands of unlicensed pills.


Nicky Brennan, a cabinet member responsible for social justice, community safety, and equality affairs, stated:


There is cause for concern as we have now discovered that e-cigarettes can deliver up to over 18,000 puffs, far exceeding the legal limit of 600 puffs for 2 milligrams of nicotine. The use of illegal e-cigarettes by young people can jeopardize their long-term health, and in recent months we have already seen some alarming consequences. We will continue to work with the West Midlands County police to crack down on illegal sales.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

KT&G Approves Plan to Establish Guatemala Branch as First Local Base in Central and South America
KT&G Approves Plan to Establish Guatemala Branch as First Local Base in Central and South America
KT&G has approved a plan to establish a branch in Guatemala, which will serve as its first local base in Central and South America. The company is currently preparing office space, staffing, and operating systems. KT&G said the branch is intended to secure a regional distribution base and will focus on local channel management and new sales channel expansion. Meanwhile, overseas cigarette revenue in 2025 exceeded the domestic share for the first time.
Mar.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nigeria’s House of Representatives Plans to Amend the National Tobacco Control Act to Close Regulatory Gaps on E-cigarettes and Other Emerging Nicotine Products
Nigeria’s House of Representatives Plans to Amend the National Tobacco Control Act to Close Regulatory Gaps on E-cigarettes and Other Emerging Nicotine Products
Nigeria’s House of Representatives said it will review the National Tobacco Control Act to address regulatory gaps around emerging nicotine products such as e-cigarettes and to strengthen border controls and enforcement coordination. A relevant committee visited the headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service, stressing linkage and cooperation among the NDLEA, NAFDAC and Customs.
Feb.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Over 160 organizations urge Formula 1 to end all tobacco sponsorships, including nicotine pouches
Over 160 organizations urge Formula 1 to end all tobacco sponsorships, including nicotine pouches
On March 4, 2026, more than 160 public interest organizations worldwide sent a letter to Formula 1 urging it to expand its 2006 prohibition on cigarette sponsorships to include nicotine pouches and other tobacco products. The letter states that Philip Morris International sponsors Ferrari to promote ZYN pouches, while British American Tobacco sponsors McLaren with its Velo brand, with logos displayed on cars and drivers’ race suits and promoted on social media.
Mar.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan to Raise Heated Tobacco Prices From April; BAT Japan Keeps Prices Unchanged for 38 glo Tobacco Stick Products
Japan to Raise Heated Tobacco Prices From April; BAT Japan Keeps Prices Unchanged for 38 glo Tobacco Stick Products
Japan will implement price increases centered on heated tobacco products from April 1, 2026, following a tobacco tax hike. BAT Japan has decided to keep current prices unchanged for 38 glo-compatible tobacco stick products across the Velo, neo, Lucky Strike, and Kent lines.
Mar.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
European survey: current e-cigarette use among 15–19-year-olds rises from 14% (2019) to 22% (2024)
European survey: current e-cigarette use among 15–19-year-olds rises from 14% (2019) to 22% (2024)
A European study cited in the report says the share of young people aged 15 to 19 who are current e-cigarette users increased from 14% in 2019 to 22% in 2024, with Italy reflecting the broader European pattern. Over the same period, conventional cigarette smoking among young people is described as declining, with the proportion of students who have smoked at least once in their lifetime falling sharply from 1995 to 2024, and the largest drop occurring between 2019 and 2024.
Feb.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
3,200 suspected "drug-laced cigarettes" seized in Johor Bahru, case value estimated at US$242,500
3,200 suspected "drug-laced cigarettes" seized in Johor Bahru, case value estimated at US$242,500
Malaysian police seized 3,200 suspicious e-pods with ketamine liquid, arresting two men in Johor Bahru's drug distribution bust.
Feb.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai