Crackdown on Illegal E-Cigarette and Tobacco Smuggling

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.17.2024
Crackdown on Illegal E-Cigarette and Tobacco Smuggling
Police in Marmaris successfully carried out a crackdown on illegal e-cigarette and tobacco products smuggling, resulting in the arrest of three suspects.

In Maltpei, the police have successfully carried out an operation to combat the smuggling of illegal e-cigarettes and tobacco products. The operation took place simultaneously at multiple locations, resulting in the arrest of three suspects involved in the illegal sale of these products.

 

After receiving a tip-off, the Istanbul Police Department discovered a significant quantity of smuggled e-cigarettes and tobacco products at various addresses in Martape. The authorities closely monitored the related locations for a period of time. Eventually, a joint operation was conducted at four locations, including three addresses in Peanut Town and one in Nisankale.

 

During the operation, suspects F.Y., H.Y., and M.Y. were apprehended and arrested. Upon searching their residences, authorities discovered a significant quantity of illegal merchandise, including 118 e-cigarettes, 95 packs (1,900 units) of untaxed cigarettes, 59 cases (11,800 units) of fully-packed cigarettes, 29 bottles containing e-liquid, 19 packs of smuggled cigarettes from various brands, 6 portable e-cigarettes, 3.5 kilograms of untaxed tobacco leaves, storage barrels for e-liquid, injectors for smuggling e-liquid, 2 unlicensed handguns, 1 pump-action rifle, and 24 rounds of ammunition.

 

After the completion of the review process, the detained suspect has been released.

 

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

China Opens 2026 National E-Cigarette Standards Project for Public Submissions
China Opens 2026 National E-Cigarette Standards Project for Public Submissions
The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) jointly announced the launch of the 2026 National Standardization Project for E-cigarettes. The initiative, coordinated by the National Technical Committee on Standardization of E-cigarettes, aims to enhance the industry’s regulatory framework through new standards on manufacturing, storage, distribution, and evaluation.
Nov.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kazakhstan Denies Rumors of Easing Hookah and Vape Restrictions: Deputy Interior Minister Reaffirms “Zero Tolerance” for Vapes
Kazakhstan Denies Rumors of Easing Hookah and Vape Restrictions: Deputy Interior Minister Reaffirms “Zero Tolerance” for Vapes
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Interior Minister Sanzhar Adilov (Санжар Адилов) addressed social media rumors that the government may ease restrictions on hookahs and vapes. He confirmed that hookah regulations are under interagency review, but the strict ban on vapes remains unchanged and has recently been reinforced with criminal liability.
Nov.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
California DOJ Outlines Next Steps for Unflavored Tobacco List; Enforcement to Target “Obviously Flavored” Products
California DOJ Outlines Next Steps for Unflavored Tobacco List; Enforcement to Target “Obviously Flavored” Products
The California DOJ issued Information Bulletin No. 2025-DLE-17 on November 10, 2025, providing an update on the state’s flavored tobacco enforcement. The Attorney General’s office is set to launch the Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL) by December 31, 2025, identifying tobacco products without characterizing flavors that may legally be sold in California. Enforcement will continue to focus on “obviously flavored” products, while unregistered products remain subject to seizure and penalties.
Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tasmania, Australia Will Introduce New Laws Targeting Illegal Vape and Tobacco Retailers
Tasmania, Australia Will Introduce New Laws Targeting Illegal Vape and Tobacco Retailers
Tasmania will introduce new laws next year to tackle the illegal trade in tobacco and vapes. The legislation will strengthen penalties, allow inspectors to issue on-the-spot fines and shut down non-compliant retailers, and enhance coordination between police and health authorities.
Nov.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength
2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength
British American Tobacco (BAT) introduced the VELO Shift nicotine pouch in September 2025, featuring a hexagonal outer can and an oval-triangle pouch shape that departs from traditional designs. Two months after launch, the product is available in the U.K., U.S. and Sweden. Social-media feedback indicates the design has been well received, while some users are calling for higher nicotine strength.
Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | FLONQ Parent Company Launches New Vaping Brand ROQY: Two Hybrid-Nicotine Devices Debut in Russia
Product | FLONQ Parent Company Launches New Vaping Brand ROQY: Two Hybrid-Nicotine Devices Debut in Russia
Alfabet Labs, the parent company of FLONQ, has recently launched its new vaping brand ROQY in Russia, debuting two products: ROQY L and ROQY M. Both devices use a hybrid nicotine formulation combining nicotine salts and freebase nicotine and are each available in 19 flavors. The two products are now on sale via the official ROQY website as well as multiple online and offline retailers across Russia.
Nov.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai