FLER at APE

London police announced a crackdown on drug-tainted e-cigarettes. The operation stemmed from an incident in the southeast of the capital where e-cigarettes were laced with "cannabis-like products," leading to the hospitalization of a 14-year-old. Data shows that between March 2024 and March 2025, London police received over 2,000 allegations of drug-tainted e-cigarettes. Of the victims in August 2025, 66% were women, a disproportionately high proportion.

Belarus will increase excise taxes in 2026 on vapes, liquids for electronic smoking systems, and non-tobacco nicotine products, with a proposed 20% rise aimed at aligning these rates with traditional cigarettes. Electronic smoking devices and heated tobacco systems will also be added to the list of excisable goods. Excise taxes on filtered cigarettes and heated tobacco will rise by 7% and 3% respectively.

The High Court in Bangladesh has asked government bodies to explain why the approval granted to Philip Morris to establish a nicotine pouch factory should not be deemed illegal. Petitioners argue the decision contradicts existing policies and a 2016 Appellate Division ruling that restricts new tobacco-related enterprises. Authorities have ten days to respond.

As the EU finalizes its Cardiovascular Health Plan, public feedback reveals a sharp divide over nicotine policy.A 2Firsts analysis of 677 submissions found that nearly one in four mentioned tobacco — highlighting tension between strict control and harm reduction approaches.

According to media reports, a leaked European Commission document indicates the EU plans to push for its strictest regulatory framework on nicotine and tobacco products at COP11 in Switzerland this November, including measures such as a full ban on nicotine pouches and flavoured products.