Crackdown on Illegal Sale of Anesthetic-Laced E-cigarette Pods

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mar.14.2024
Crackdown on Illegal Sale of Anesthetic-Laced E-cigarette Pods
Hubei police cracked down on a major crime case involving cross-provincial trafficking of etomidate, seizing over 380 e-cigarette pods.

Recently, the police in Chongyang County, Hubei Province, successfully cracked a major cross-province criminal case involving the trafficking of Methylone. A total of 7 suspects have been criminally detained, and over 380 e-cigarette pods containing Methylone have been confiscated.

 

Propofol, a white powder substance mainly used for general anesthesia induction and short-term surgical anesthesia, has been increasingly abused by young people in recent years after unscrupulous individuals have added it to e-cigarettes for sale.

 

Therefore, the State Drug Administration, Ministry of Public Security, and National Health Commission jointly issued the "Notice on Adjusting the Catalogue of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Drugs" (No. 120 of 2023), which will be implemented starting from October 1, 2023, including the inclusion of methoxyflurane in the second category of psychotropic drugs. Despite this measure being in effect, the momentum of e-cigarettes containing methoxyflurane in their production and sale does not seem to have diminished.

 

Apart from the harm to one's health, the abuse of Etizolam has been defined as an illegal act by law, with legal consequences similar to those of other drugs, including administrative detention, community rehab, and mandatory isolation for drug detoxification.

 

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

LOST MARY Launches VIZ With Transparent Wraparound Pod and LED Display
LOST MARY Launches VIZ With Transparent Wraparound Pod and LED Display
LOST MARY announced VIZ on May 6, 2026, describing it as the brand’s first product with a transparent 360-degree wraparound pod.
May.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
ZYN by IQOS to Roll Out Across Tokyo From May 11 Through IQOS Shops and Lawson
ZYN by IQOS to Roll Out Across Tokyo From May 11 Through IQOS Shops and Lawson
Philip Morris Japan announced on April 23 at a product briefing that ZYN by IQOS, an oral tobacco pouch previously launched in selected areas, will expand sales in Tokyo. The company said the product will be released progressively from May 11 through IQOS shops, Lawson and other outlets in the city. The launch will include four flavors, each offered in Low and Medium intensity levels, for a total of eight products.
Apr.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Brazilian Research Institutions Prepare Joint Recommendations on Electronic Smoking Device Studies
Brazilian Research Institutions Prepare Joint Recommendations on Electronic Smoking Device Studies
Brazil’s National Cancer Institute, the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, and other research institutions are preparing a joint letter with recommendations and guidance for studies on electronic smoking devices, including e-cigarettes, vapes, and similar products. The guidelines were discussed on April 14 and 15 at the seminar “Building a Priority Research Agenda on Electronic Smoking Devices for Brazil” in Rio de Janeiro.
Apr.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris International Announces IQOS and Devialet Collaboration at Milan Design Week 2026
Philip Morris International Announces IQOS and Devialet Collaboration at Milan Design Week 2026
Philip Morris International announced on April 20 that IQOS has partnered with French acoustic engineering company Devialet to launch “Soundsorial Design” at Milan Design Week 2026. The collaboration includes an immersive exhibition and a limited-edition product set named “Soundsorial.” The exhibition will run from April 20 to April 27 at Opificio 31 in Milan.
Apr.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Argentina’s New Nicotine Rules Draw Cautious Optimism and Market Concerns, Local Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocate Says
Argentina’s New Nicotine Rules Draw Cautious Optimism and Market Concerns, Local Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocate Says
Argentina’s new tobacco and nicotine framework marks a shift from prohibition toward registration, traceability and health surveillance. Argentine THR advocate Juan Facundo Teme told 2Firsts that adult consumers and parts of the local commercial sector are cautiously optimistic, but concerns remain over flavor limits, registration costs and market access. The policy’s implementation may determine whether Argentina can move informal sales into regulated channels.
May.11
Turning Point Brands Reports Q1 2026 Net Sales of $124.3 Million as Modern Oral Net Sales Rise 133%
Turning Point Brands Reports Q1 2026 Net Sales of $124.3 Million as Modern Oral Net Sales Rise 133%
Turning Point Brands reported first-quarter 2026 results on May 7, covering the period ended March 31, 2026. Total consolidated net sales were $124.3 million, up 16.8% year on year. Gross profit was $68.3 million, up 14.6%, while net income fell 19.0% to $11.7 million. Adjusted EBITDA declined 6.5% to $25.9 million.
May.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai