Brazilian Police Seize Thousands of E-Cigarettes in Rio Raid

Jun.20.2024
Brazilian Police Seize Thousands of E-Cigarettes in Rio Raid
Brazilian police seize 4,000 e-cigarettes in Rio raid, arresting two suspects from major distributor, valued at over $73,746.

According to Noticias.r7, on June 19th, Tuesday (18th), in the Barra da Tijuca area of ​​Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the police conducted a raid against one of the largest distributors of e-cigarette devices in the area, Defs, seizing 4,000 e-cigarettes and arresting two men. According to the distributor, the value of these products exceeds 400,000 reais (73,746 US dollars).


According to police investigations, a batch of goods was found stored in a shopping center in the area, where they discovered a commercial alliance network selling various models and brands of e-cigarettes wholesale, retail, and online. Police conducted a raid and arrested two employees working at the sales point, who were then transferred to the Consumer Rights Crime Investigation Unit (DECON) and immediately charged with smuggling. If convicted, they could face up to five years in prison.


Additionally, the latest board meeting of Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) maintained the ban on e-cigarettes, citing recent research demonstrating the harm they pose to health.


Since 2009, Brazil has banned the use of this equipment.


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