Brazilian Federal Police Launch Operation "Vapor d'água" to Combat Smuggling

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

Mar.15.2024

Brazilian Federal Police Launch Operation "Vapor d'água" to Combat Smuggling

Brazilian federal police launched "Vapor d'água" operation to combat smuggling, seizing e-cigarettes in Santa Maria sold to teenagers on social media.

According to a report from the Brazilian media diariosm on March 14, the Brazilian Federal Police launched an operation called "Vapor d'água" to combat smuggling crimes. The police carried out two e-cigarette seizures and search warrants in Santa Maria, with the sale of these e-cigarettes primarily taking place through personal profiles on social media, targeting the city's youth.

The National Health Surveillance Agency of Brazil (Anvisa) announced a ban on the sale, import, and advertising of all types of electronic smoking devices (DEFs) on August 28, 2009, through Joint Board Resolution No. 46. Therefore, engaging in these activities theoretically constitutes a criminal offense under Article 334-A, item IV of the Penal Code (smuggling), which carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison.

References:

[1] Operação Vapor d'água: Polícia Federal combate contrabando e comercialização de cigarros eletrônicos em Santa Maria

Also Read:

[1] Brazil Economic Committee Promotes E-cigarette Production and Commercialization

[2] Brazilian Senate Postpones Vote on Proposal to Legalize E-cigarettes

[3] Tragic Death: Brazilian Man Electrocuted While Using E-Cigarette

[4] Brazilian Police Bust Illegal E-cigarette Operation in Propriá City

[5] Brazilian Man Arrested for Smuggling 50,000 E-cigarettes on Highway

[6] Brazilian Senate to Discuss E-Cigarette Use and Underage Drinking

[7] Brazil's Public Opinion on E-cigarette Ban: 58% against

[8] Tax Incentives for Tobacco and Weapon Industry in Brazil

#Law enforcement #Disposable e-cigarettes #South America #Brazil

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

Russia’s State Duma May Soon Consider Full Ban on Vape Sales

Russia’s State Duma will soon consider a proposal to impose a complete ban on the sale of vapes. The move follows President Vladimir Putin’s endorsement of a nationwide prohibition. Lawmaker Aleksey Volotskov said vape use has surged by 52% since early 2025, with illegal products now dominating 80% of the market.

Nov.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai

China’s E-Cigarette Exports Reached USD 879 Million in September 2025, Down 6.08% MoM— U.S. Remains Top Market, Russia Falls Sharply

In September 2025, China’s total e-cigarette exports reached USD 879 million, representing a 6.08% decline month-on-month but a 3.41% increase year-on-year.

Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Number of Vapers in Britain Surpasses Smokers for the First Time, Government Tightens Nicotine Regulations

For the first time, more people in Britain now vape than smoke. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 10% of adults (5.4 million) regularly use e-cigarettes compared with 9.1% (4.9 million) who smoke cigarettes. The government credits vaping for the decline in smoking but plans tougher rules through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, including a generational smoking ban and restrictions on nicotine pouch flavours, packaging, and sales.

Nov.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Hounslow Crackdown Seizes £33,000 of Illegal Vapes and Combustible Cigarettes

Hounslow Council’s Trading Standards team, working with Metropolitan Police units, conducted test purchases across the borough and found seven premises selling illegal tobacco. Subsequent raids at 16 premises in Chiswick, Feltham and Hounslow High Street seized 4,859 illegal vapes (≈£30,000), 3,806 combustible cigarettes (≈£3,000), 16kg of shisha and 11kg of chewing tobacco. Offences included oversized tanks, over-strength nicotine, and unregistered products.