IQOS Smoking Room at Manila International Airport

Bangkok police said they raided two warehouse locations linked to an online distribution network for illicit vaping/heated-tobacco products, seizing IQOS ILUMA i devices and large quantities of TEREA sticks worth more than 30 million baht (about US$960,000). Three suspects described as administrators and caretakers were arrested, while investigators probe suspected smuggling routes and unpaid excise liabilities.

Russia is considering digitizing e-cigarette products for better industry regulation, aiming to protect consumers and prevent counterfeit products.

Glas has confirmed to 2Firsts that its G2 device, which received a FDA Marketing Granted Order (MGO), incorporates age-gating technology. Based on currently public information, this means the FDA has granted an MGO to the first ENDS product confirmed to incorporate age-gating technology, validating 2Firsts’ earlier inference.

Police in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam say they dismantled a large illegal vape distribution ring led by 29-year-old Nguyễn Ngọc Quốc Uy, who allegedly built a concealed “secret room” to hide contraband. Officers seized 28,657 items valued at more than VND 4.8 billion (about US$182,400).

British American Tobacco Malaysia has announced a workforce optimisation exercise aimed at streamlining operations ahead of a major shift in its distribution strategy.

Virginia Commonwealth University has signed a letter of intent to acquire Altria Group’s 450,000-square-foot building in downtown Richmond for USD 150 million, but the deal still depends on approval from the General Assembly. The university said the facility would support expansion of the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and help grow enrollment in its new School of Public Health and School of Pharmacy. VCU also said constructing a comparable facility would cost about USD 715 million.