Investigation into Illegal Sales of E-Cigarettes in Cook Islands, New Zealand

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Aug.16.2024
Investigation into Illegal Sales of E-Cigarettes in Cook Islands, New Zealand
Cook Islands public health department investigates banned e-cigarette sales on social media, vows to enforce restriction for public safety.

According to the Cook Islands News reported on August 15, the New Zealand Cook Islands Ministry of Health is investigating potential "black market" activities online. The investigation was sparked by the discovery of three social media accounts selling banned e-cigarettes locally.


The public health department stated that these social media accounts are suspected of violating national prohibitions by selling banned products to the public through online platforms.


John Smith, head of the public health department in the Cook Islands, stated that despite e-cigarettes being legal in some countries, the Cook Islands have officially banned the sale and use of e-cigarettes locally due to their potential health risks. He emphasized that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the ban is strictly enforced in order to protect the health and safety of the public.


The department stated that they will continue to monitor online platforms to prevent similar illegal activities from happening again. They also mentioned that they will cooperate with the police to jointly investigate and track down the sources of these illegal sales activities to ensure community safety and health.


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

PMI Japan Upgrades IQOS ILUMA i One with New Button Layout, Aluminum Base
PMI Japan Upgrades IQOS ILUMA i One with New Button Layout, Aluminum Base
PMI Japan has refreshed its all-in-one heated tobacco device, IQOS ILUMA i One, with upgraded materials and exterior design. Sales begin October 29 via IQOS stores and the official website. The new model retains core features such as auto-start and continuous use, but is not compatible with accessories from the previous version.
Oct.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tennessee Cracks Down on Vaping: 10 % Tax Hike, Expanded Enforcement Powers, Mandatory ID Checks at Every Retail Counter
Tennessee Cracks Down on Vaping: 10 % Tax Hike, Expanded Enforcement Powers, Mandatory ID Checks at Every Retail Counter
New Tennessee laws passed this year impose a 10 % tax on vaping products, empower the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) to conduct compliance inspections, and set steep fines for retailers who sell to minors. Yet, with no statewide retail-licensing scheme for e-cigarettes, enforcing the penalties remains problematic. Meanwhile, stores in cities like Jackson have voluntarily stepped up ID scanning and product tracking to help the rules take hold.
Dec.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S FDA Announces Dec. 8 Deadline for IQOS MRTP Renewal Comments
U.S FDA Announces Dec. 8 Deadline for IQOS MRTP Renewal Comments
The U.S. FDA has set December 8, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET as the closing date for public comments on the MRTP renewal applications submitted by Philip Morris Products S.A. for several IQOS heated tobacco products.
Nov.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
NYS Youth Tobacco Use Down 29% Since 2022, Lowest Since 2000
NYS Youth Tobacco Use Down 29% Since 2022, Lowest Since 2000
According to the New York State Department of Health’s latest StatShot (Vol.17, #2025-1), high school tobacco product use in 2024 fell to 17.0%, the lowest rate since 2000, marking a 29% decline from 2022. E-cigarette use decreased from 18.7% to 13.1%, while cigarette use remained low at 2.4%.However, nicotine pouch use increased from 1.5% to 3.0%.
Oct.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Chonburi Police Raid Major E-Cigarette and Vape Liquid Warehouse Worth Over US$920,000
Chonburi Police Raid Major E-Cigarette and Vape Liquid Warehouse Worth Over US$920,000
Thailand Chonburi provincial police, in coordination with multiple agencies, raided a large-scale warehouse in downtown Chonburi used for producing and distributing e-cigarettes and vape liquids. Two Chinese nationals were arrested, and more than 40 categories of contraband—including vapes, e-liquids, and production equipment—were seized, with an estimated total value exceeding US$920,000 (about 30 million Thai baht).
Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Al Fakher Parent Company Plans U.S. Listing in 2026 at $1.75 Billion Valuation
Al Fakher Parent Company Plans U.S. Listing in 2026 at $1.75 Billion Valuation
According to Bloomberg, Dubai-based hookah brand owner Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR) plans to go public on Nasdaq in the first half of 2026 through a merger with a Cantor Fitzgerald-backed SPAC. The deal values the combined company at USD 1.75 billion under the ticker “AIIR.”
Nov.11