Shenzhen, Aug 19 (2Firsts) —China has stepped up efforts to combat tobacco-related crimes in 2025, according to official media under the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA).
Authorities across the country handled 186,000 administrative cases involving tobacco violations in the first half of the year, a 35.9% increase compared to the same period last year. Among these, 10,710 major cases involved counterfeit or smuggled products valued at over 50,000 yuan (approximately $6,900), marking a 160.3% increase.
Enforcement actions led to the seizure of 2.95 billion counterfeit or illicit cigarettes, up 78.7%, and 18,000 tons of illegal tobacco leaves and shredded tobacco, up 90.0%.
In 2024, the STMA established a national task force to lead and coordinate anti-counterfeit and anti-smuggling operations.
China has also enhanced international cooperation to crack down on cross-border tobacco crimes. The STMA has deepened intelligence sharing with the European Anti-Fraud Office and regularly briefs the coast guard and public security agencies on smuggling activities from Southeast Asia.
