Illegal e-cigarettes worth $270,000 seized in Lviv smuggling bust

Oct.24.2024
Illegal e-cigarettes worth $270,000 seized in Lviv smuggling bust
Ukrainian police uncover illegal e-cigarette sales scheme worth over 11 million hryvnias involving the "ELFBAR" brand. Several raids were carried out.

Ukrainian law enforcement authorities in the Lviv region uncovered a case of illegal e-cigarette sales and seized related products worth more than 11 million hryvnia (about $270,000), Vysokiy Zamok reported on 23 October. The seized products included the "ELFBAR" brand of e-cigarettes.

Illegal e-cigarettes worth $270,000 seized in Lviv smuggling bust
The products that were seized involved the e-cigarette brand "ELFBAR" | Image source: Lviv Economic Security Bureau official website

 

In this case, a criminal gang smuggled e-cigarettes into the country through the border checkpoints of Lviv and Volyn, bypassing customs inspections. According to a report from the Lviv Economic Security Bureau (BEB), these e-cigarette products and their nicotine-containing e-liquids are primarily sold on Telegram, with suppliers coming from the European Union.

Illegal e-cigarettes worth $270,000 seized in Lviv smuggling bust
Ukrainian police seized illegal e-cigarette products worth $270,000 | Image source: Lviv Economic Security Bureau official website

 

Authorities searched several vehicles, warehouses and residences of individuals involved in the case. More than 17,000 e-cigarettes, electronic vaporizers and related e-liquids were seized, with an estimated value of more than 11 million grovnas.

 

The criminal investigation into the case is ongoing, and the suspects may have committed offences under Article 201-4(1) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Several forensic investigations have been commissioned to further clarify responsibilities.
 

 

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

Product | “Mini Water-Bottle” Design, Rated at 60,000 Puffs: Al Fakher Launches New Disposable in the U.S. and UAE
Product | “Mini Water-Bottle” Design, Rated at 60,000 Puffs: Al Fakher Launches New Disposable in the U.S. and UAE
E-cigarette brand Al Fakher has recently listed its disposable hookah-style device, the Al Fakher Crown Bar 60K E-Hose X, across multiple online retail channels in the United States and the United Arab Emirates. The product features a mini water-bottle-like design, is rated for up to 60,000 puffs, comes with a 50ml e-liquid reservoir and a 1,000mAh rechargeable battery, and supports dual DTL/MTL vaping modes.
Jan.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
HB 5437 “Vape Safety Act” advances in House committee, proposing statewide licensing for vape shops
HB 5437 “Vape Safety Act” advances in House committee, proposing statewide licensing for vape shops
A committee substitute for House Bill 5437, the Vape Safety Act sponsored by Del. David McCormick (David McCormick), was recommended Monday afternoon by the House Health and Human Resources Committee to the full House, with the bill next heading to the House Judiciary Committee. HB 5437 would require specialty shops selling tobacco, tobacco-derived products, alternative nicotine, or vapor products and accessories to obtain a state license from the Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (ABCA)
Feb.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tennessee’s “Tobacco Product Retail Licensing Act” Would Require New Licenses for Tobacco and Vapes
Tennessee’s “Tobacco Product Retail Licensing Act” Would Require New Licenses for Tobacco and Vapes
A newly introduced Tennessee bill, S.B. 2086, would create a statewide tobacco product retail licensing system, move oversight to the Tennessee Alcohol Commission, and impose fees and escalating penalties. The proposal also requires all tobacco product sales to occur as in-person, over-the-counter transactions at licensed locations—effectively banning direct-to-consumer shipping of cigars and potentially restricting curbside or phone-order pickup models.
Jan.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Elfbar warns flavour bans could push over 50,000 Scottish vapers back to smoking
Elfbar warns flavour bans could push over 50,000 Scottish vapers back to smoking
Elfbar said restricting vape flavour choices—potentially under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill—could disrupt established quitting behaviours and increase relapse risk among former smokers. An Opinium survey commissioned by the company reported fruit and sweet flavours have risen in popularity among adult vapers quitting smoking in Scotland, with 62% now using them most often to quit, up from 34% in December 2024.
Feb.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
West Virginia Senate Backs Vape Tax Increase to Offset Income Tax Cut
West Virginia Senate Backs Vape Tax Increase to Offset Income Tax Cut
The West Virginia Senate approved a 10% personal income tax cut on February 22, 2026, with part of the revenue offset coming from increased excise taxes on vape and e-cigarette products.
News
Feb.23
Product | 5ml/2ml Dual Versions, Up to 45W Output: VAPORESSO Launches LUXE X3 on Official Website
Product | 5ml/2ml Dual Versions, Up to 45W Output: VAPORESSO Launches LUXE X3 on Official Website
VAPORESSO has listed the LUXE X3, a new addition to its LUXE X series, on its official website. The device features a 2,600mAh built-in battery, adjustable 5–45W output and a 0.8-inch digital display, and comes with a 5ml pod (2ml for the TPD version). The LUXE X3 has also appeared on some UK and US online retailers for pre-order, with prices below the company’s stated MSRP of $37.9.
Jan.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai