Bust in Oldham: Huge Seizure of Illegal E-cigarettes and Cigarettes

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.18.2024
Bust in Oldham: Huge Seizure of Illegal E-cigarettes and Cigarettes
Greater Manchester Police confiscate large quantities of illegal e-cigarettes and cigarettes in an operation in Oldham.

According to a report by the British media outlet Chronicle on January 17th, a significant amount of illegal e-cigarettes and cigarettes were seized by local police in Oldham as part of the "Operation Avro" enforcement action conducted by the Greater Manchester Police.

 

GMP Oldham Central's Facebook page has posted a message stating that their community team carried out illegal e-cigarette and cigarette inspections at six locations during the "Operation Avow" on January 16th. Out of these, four locations had items confiscated, including 1313 e-cigarettes and 310 packs of illegal cigarettes, with a total value of £20,411.

 

The community prevention team's work has been highly appreciated. The Oldham Chronicle is calling on and welcoming residents to participate and support quality community news coverage, by providing financial support of £3 per month to the Oldham Chronicle, so that they can continue to provide improved news services in the future.

 

The recent successful law enforcement operation clearly demonstrates the UK police's strong stance against illegal tobacco products, effectively suppressing the market for illegal e-cigarettes and cigarettes. The relentless efforts of the community team have set an example for community safety and the rule of law environment.

 

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

U.S. Judge Stays Helix, NJOY Challenge to FDA PMTA Rule Pending New Rulemaking Court Stays Altria's Helix, NJOY Challenge to PMTA Rule as FDA Prepares New Rulemaking
U.S. Judge Stays Helix, NJOY Challenge to FDA PMTA Rule Pending New Rulemaking Court Stays Altria's Helix, NJOY Challenge to PMTA Rule as FDA Prepares New Rulemaking
A federal judge in Texas on Oct. 8 granted a joint request by the FDA and plaintiffs including Altria subsidiaries Helix Innovations and NJOY to stay litigation challenging the agency's 2021 PMTA rule. The court cited FDA's anticipated rulemaking concerning the regulation at issue. FDA announced on Sept. 28 that it intends to reassess the PMTA framework and could initiate new rulemaking to replace it. The parties must file a joint status report within 45 days and every 45 days thereafter. A motion by three Reynolds American companies to intervene remains pending.
Regulations
Oct.10
PMI Pushes Smoke-Free Business in Latin America as Argentina Lifts Heated Tobacco Ban, Mexico City Share Tops 7%
PMI Pushes Smoke-Free Business in Latin America as Argentina Lifts Heated Tobacco Ban, Mexico City Share Tops 7%
Philip Morris International (PMI) showcased IQOS heated tobacco systems and nicotine pouch products at Technovation 2026 in Buenos Aires on October 7–8, presenting research on consumer attitudes, regulatory developments and illicit cigarette trade across Latin America. PMI Chief Global Growth Officer Stefano Volpetti said smoke-free products accounted for more than 7% of the Mexico City market. Argentina repealed its heated tobacco ban in May 2026 and introduced registration requirements for tobacco and nicotine products, while local media reported nicotine pouch sales in Mendoza. A PMI-commissioned survey found that only 8% of respondents across four Latin American countries were familiar with nicotine pouches. A separate KPMG study estimated illicit cigarette consumption at 77 billion sticks across 11 markets in Latin America and Canada in 2025.
PMI
Oct.13
Special Report|From CrossBar 20K to 6-Methyl Nicotine KUMI: Two Routes Into U.S. State Vape Directories?
Special Report|From CrossBar 20K to 6-Methyl Nicotine KUMI: Two Routes Into U.S. State Vape Directories?
Several U.S. states have incorporated the September 9, 2020 PMTA filing deadline into eligibility rules for certain vaping products. CrossBar 20K drew attention after appearing on Pennsylvania's 163-entry directory. A broader 2Firsts investigation found that related registration businesses also listed KUMI and CROSSBAR SIX products, with 171 KUMI-related entries across Louisiana, Nebraska and Wisconsin. Corporate records link Scott Silverman to Blue Nine LLC and VR Products I LLC. PMTA compliance expert Mr. K said historical applications and nicotine-analogue products may offer two different approaches to state-directory access.
Regulations
Oct.26
Product | PMI Launches TEREA Black Mint Pearl in Japan, Adding First Capsule Variant to Black Range With Nationwide Rollout From October 19
Product | PMI Launches TEREA Black Mint Pearl in Japan, Adding First Capsule Variant to Black Range With Nationwide Rollout From October 19
Philip Morris Japan (PMJ) launched TEREA Black Mint Pearl on October 15, 2026, introducing the first capsule-equipped heated tobacco stick in the TEREA Black range for IQOS ILUMA devices. The product combines a strong menthol profile with a crushable mint capsule and is priced at ¥640 per 20-stick pack, including tax. Sales began at four IQOS stores and selected retail partners on October 15, with distribution expanding to convenience stores and other tobacco retailers nationwide from October 19. The launch brings Japan's TEREA portfolio to 28 variants, including 21 menthol-related products, or 75% of the range.
product
Oct.16 by 2Firsts Perspectives
German Tobacco Tax Revenue Falls 10.8% Through August as Tax-Paid Cigarette Volume Drops 12.6%
German Tobacco Tax Revenue Falls 10.8% Through August as Tax-Paid Cigarette Volume Drops 12.6%
Germany collected €9.789 billion in total tobacco tax revenue from January through August 2026, down 10.8% from a year earlier, according to the Federal Ministry of Finance. Germany's tobacco tax base covers not only cigarettes and fine-cut tobacco but also heated tobacco and vaping liquids taxed as tobacco substitutes. The German Association of the Tobacco Industry and Novel Products, or BVTE, citing federal statistical data, said tax-paid cigarette volume fell 12.6% to 40.6 billion sticks. BVTE is using the latest figures to argue against further tax increases planned from 2027 through 2030, while Germany's parliament is scheduled to hold a first reading of the bill on September 24.
Sep.23
On-Site Report | CTP Details PMTA Backlog, 180-Day Review Goal and sPMTA Process
On-Site Report | CTP Details PMTA Backlog, 180-Day Review Goal and sPMTA Process
FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products detailed new PMTA review data and process changes at the 2026 FDLI conference. Pending PMTAs fell from about 450,000 at the start of 2025 to 135,000 by September 2026. CTP also discussed its 180-day review goal, current sPMTA pilot, alternate-supplier planning, more than 50,300 pending SE reports, and lessons from the nicotine pouch pilot already being applied to ENDS review.
Regulations
Oct.07