FLER at APE

Kazakhstan’s Financial Monitoring Agency (AFM) in Ulytau Region is conducting a pre-trial investigation into alleged illegal vape sales and the unlawful acquisition of access to a bank account. Authorities say a Satpayev resident has sold banned devices via social media since 2024 and used a “dropper” arrangement to disguise proceeds.

The Denver Post reported that Aurora’s City Council unanimously approved a retail tobacco licensure ordinance on first reading Monday night to reduce underage access to tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaping cartridges. The ordinance would stiffen fines for businesses that sell to people under 21 and tighten rules on where tobacco retailers can locate in the city.

Grizzly Nicotine Pouches, a brand of American Snuff Company (ASC), a Reynolds American unit, said it will increase its NASCAR investment in the 2026 season, serving as primary sponsor for a combined 27 races across Kaulig Racing’s two full-time NASCAR Cup Series cars. The company added that Grizzly is already one of NASCAR’s official partner brands across all NASCAR tracks.

Reuters reported that British American Tobacco (BAT) CEO Tadeu Marroco said a potential U.S. move to block imports of some disposable vapes could reduce the market for unregulated e-cigarettes by as much as a third, though any impact is unlikely before 2027.

Perak executive councillor Datuk Sivanesan said the state government aims to progressively reach a “zero” level of vape sales no later than after October, noting vape operators were clearly informed in October 2025.

Philip Morris International reported full-year 2025 results on February 6, with smoke-free products accounting for 41.5% of adjusted net revenues, up from 38.7% a year earlier. Total net revenues rose 7.3% to $40.65 billion, while shipment volumes increased 1.4%, widening the gap between revenue and volume growth. Cigarette shipments declined as smoke-free volumes rose 12.8%, driven by heated tobacco, oral nicotine and e-vapor products. Results were released alongside a 9:00 a.m. EST webcast.