Couple Intercepted at Friendship Bridge with 1900 E-Cigarettes

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dec.11.2023
Couple Intercepted at Friendship Bridge with 1900 E-Cigarettes
Couple intercepted with $80,000 worth of e-cigarettes on Friendship Bridge, sparking investigation into tobacco smuggling.

Recently, according to a report by the media outlet H2FOZ, a couple was intercepted by the police at the Friendship Bridge while carrying e-cigarettes worth 80,000 Brazilian Reals. A total of 1,900 e-cigarettes were seized. The arrested woman claimed that she had intended to go shopping at the Iguaçu Falls in Foz do Iguaçu.

 

In response, the police believe this explanation is clearly false and have launched an in-depth investigation into the direction of tobacco smuggling.

 

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

UK-Listed Consumer Goods Group Supreme Sees Vape Duty as Potential Consolidation Opportunity, Holds FY27 Outlook
UK-Listed Consumer Goods Group Supreme Sees Vape Duty as Potential Consolidation Opportunity, Holds FY27 Outlook
UK-listed consumer goods group Supreme plc says it continues to expect FY27 trading to meet market expectations as the Vaping Products Duty takes effect on October 1, while maintaining a comparatively positive view of the new tax and compliance regime. Supreme has said the framework could increase compliance complexity for smaller operators and contribute to market consolidation, while its manufacturing, compliance and distribution scale may allow it to gain share. Its 88Vape brand will retain its value positioning.
Sep.18
Malaysia's Poisons Board Backs New Vape Nicotine Exemption After Unanimously Opposing 2023 Proposal
Malaysia's Poisons Board Backs New Vape Nicotine Exemption After Unanimously Opposing 2023 Proposal
Malaysia's Poisons Board has endorsed Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad's proposal to exempt liquid nicotine used in vaping products from the Poisons List, according to a November 2, 2026, report by CodeBlue. The Board unanimously opposed a similar proposal in 2023, but the government proceeded with the exemption. The Kuala Lumpur High Court invalidated the 2023 decision in May 2026, and the government withdrew its appeal in August. No new ministerial order has been published. The development raises questions about the interaction between Malaysia's two regulatory frameworks and the treatment of RM354.51 million in excise duties collected on e-cigarette and vape products between May 2023 and June 11, 2026.
Regulations
Nov.03
Product | KT&G Launches lil HYBRID 3.0 Misty Rosé Edition II in South Korea With Two Pink Finishes at 88,000 Won
Product | KT&G Launches lil HYBRID 3.0 Misty Rosé Edition II in South Korea With Two Pink Finishes at 88,000 Won
South Korean tobacco company KT&G launched the limited-edition lil HYBRID 3.0 Misty Rosé Edition II on September 30, 2026, following the original Misty Rosé Edition introduced in November 2025. The new release comes in two pink finishes, Bloom Rosé and Viva Rosé, each priced at 88,000 won. Both versions initially went on sale through the lil Store online shop and lil MINIMALIUM flagship stores. From October 7, Bloom Rosé became available at approximately 1,500 lil Station retail outlets nationwide. The release retains the existing lil HYBRID 3.0 hybrid heated tobacco platform, with changes focused on exterior design and distribution.
product
Oct.10
Kelly White Bets on Female Consumers as Nicotine Pouch Competition Intensifies | 2Firsts Interview
Kelly White Bets on Female Consumers as Nicotine Pouch Competition Intensifies | 2Firsts Interview
Swedish nicotine pouch brand Kelly White is building its strategy around adult female consumers. Founder and CEO Sophia Wilsby told 2Firsts that women accounted for around 70% of the brand’s repeat customers on HAYPP in Sweden in 2025. The interview explores female consumer segmentation, product and design differentiation, gender stereotypes, packaging regulation, and how independent brands can compete with global players such as ZYN and VELO while considering funding, partnerships and future ownership options.
Business
Sep.24
Swedish-Founded Nicotine Pouch Retailer GotPouches Shifts to U.S.-Based Operations, Reaching Over 25 States
Swedish-Founded Nicotine Pouch Retailer GotPouches Shifts to U.S.-Based Operations, Reaching Over 25 States
Swedish-founded online nicotine pouch retailer GotPouches has completed the localization of its U.S. operations under UpNorth Retail LLC, with corporate operations in Franklin, Tennessee, domestic fulfillment from Nashville and U.S.-based customer support. The company says its catalog covers more than 20 nicotine pouch brands and it currently serves customers in more than 25 U.S. states.
Sep.18
Product | JTI Introduces Fully Dissolvable PERLZ Nicotine Pearls in UK, Expands Range From 30-Pearl Dispensers to 10-Pearl Sachets
Product | JTI Introduces Fully Dissolvable PERLZ Nicotine Pearls in UK, Expands Range From 30-Pearl Dispensers to 10-Pearl Sachets
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has introduced PERLZ nicotine pearls in the UK, expanding its oral nicotine portfolio beyond conventional nicotine pouches. The fully dissolvable, multi-layer pearls are placed under the tongue and come in Mint and Berry flavors at concentrations of 1mg/g and 2mg/g, equivalent to approximately 0.3mg and 0.5mg of nicotine per pearl. UK retailer Haypp published four 30-pearl dispenser listings on July 31, 2026, followed by three 10-pearl sachet products on August 17. The dispensers retail for £6.50, while the sachets cost £2.50.
product
Oct.12