Bulgarian Police Seize More Than 56,500 Heated Tobacco Sticks in Sofia Operation

Mar.17
Bulgarian Police Seize More Than 56,500 Heated Tobacco Sticks in Sofia Operation
Bulgaria’s Interior Ministry said two men aged 48 and 50 were detained during a specialised police operation in Sofia’s Krasna Polyana district for distributing e-cigarettes and tobacco without excise stamps.

Key Takeaways

 

  • Two men aged 48 and 50 were detained in a police operation in Sofia’s Krasna Polyana district.
  • They were accused of distributing e-cigarettes and tobacco without excise stamps.
  • Police seized more than 56,500 heated tobacco sticks from the suspects’ homes and vehicles.
  • Authorities also confiscated 11 packs of tobacco without excise stamps.
  • A pre-trial proceeding has been opened and the case will be reported to the Sofia District Prosecutor’s Office.

 


 

2Firsts, March 17, 2026

 

According to MVR, two men aged 48 and 50 were detained during a specialised police operation in Sofia’s Krasna Polyana district for distributing e-cigarettes and tobacco without excise stamps.

 

Authorities said more than 56,500 induction sticks with old excise stamps and 11 packs of tobacco without excise stamps were seized from the homes and vehicles of the two men.

 

The original report said that part of the cigarettes had been intended for research and not for sale, but had been appropriated for distribution.

 

A pre-trial proceeding has been opened in the case. The two detainees have been placed under a police detention measure of up to 24 hours. The case materials are to be submitted to the Sofia District Prosecutor’s Office.

 

The original report also noted that last week nearly 2,100 e-cigarettes without excise stamps were seized during an operation against illegal trade in excisable goods in the Pernik region.

 

Image source: MVR

 

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

Belgium Approves Vape Flavor Ban, Allowing Only Tobacco-Flavored and Unflavored Products From September 2028
Belgium Approves Vape Flavor Ban, Allowing Only Tobacco-Flavored and Unflavored Products From September 2028
Belgium’s federal government on Thursday approved a ban on flavored vapes, allowing only tobacco-flavored and unflavored e-cigarettes on the market from September 2028. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke said the measure is aimed at protecting the health of children and young people and preventing a new generation from becoming dependent on tobacco.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nearly 35.00% of Surveyed Retailers Shifted to Online Sales After Tighter Controls in Vietnam
Nearly 35.00% of Surveyed Retailers Shifted to Online Sales After Tighter Controls in Vietnam
A study of nearly 2,500 university students in Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City found that the average age of first use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products was 16.90. The findings were presented on April 9 in Hanoi. The study also found that 14.00% of students had tried e-cigarettes and 3.00% were current users, while the figures for heated tobacco were 6.00% and 0.80%. % of surveyed retail outlets moving to online sales.
Apr.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Trump Reportedly Signs Off on Plan to Fire FDA Commissioner Marty Makary
Trump Reportedly Signs Off on Plan to Fire FDA Commissioner Marty Makary
According to The Wall Street Journal, people familiar with the matter said President Trump has signed off on a plan to fire FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, though the plan is not yet final and could change. The report said Makary’s tenure has included clashes over vaping, abortion and drug policy, and that some senior administration officials view him as struggling to manage the agency.
May.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
West Virginia House Passes 5% Income Tax Cut and Rejects Vape Tax Increase
West Virginia House Passes 5% Income Tax Cut and Rejects Vape Tax Increase
The West Virginia House of Delegates debates income tax cut bill before session's end, rejecting Senate's e-cigarette tax amendment.With one day left in the legislative session, the West Virginia House spent more than an hour debating amendments to an income tax reduction bill.
Mar.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exhibition Insights | Beyond Devices: What RELX’s Multi-Format Display Suggests About Category Expansion
Exhibition Insights | Beyond Devices: What RELX’s Multi-Format Display Suggests About Category Expansion
RELX’s booth in Prague brought together vaping devices, RELX-branded e-liquids, oral nicotine products and a nasal product concept in one display. Rather than centering the booth on a single hardware line, the company presented multiple product paths side by side.
Apr.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Portugal and Other Countries Submit Objections in Brussels Over UK Smoke-Free Generation Bill
Portugal and Other Countries Submit Objections in Brussels Over UK Smoke-Free Generation Bill
Portugal is among the countries opposing the UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which would ban tobacco sales to people born on or after Jan. 1, 2009. According to the report, Portugal, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia and Romania have submitted reasoned opinions and formal observations to Brussels, arguing that the bill breaches post-Brexit arrangements including the Windsor Framework.
Apr.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai