Israeli Tax Authority Raids and Seizes Illegal Vapes

Employees of the Tax Authority in Israel conducted a raid on a shop in Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, where they discovered a large number of illegal smoking products. The raid was part of an initiative by the Tax Authority to combat the widespread smuggling of cigarettes in the country.

During the raid, the employees seized a total of 12 liters of liquid used for refillable vaping devices, which is estimated to be worth approximately 110,000 Shekels (USD 30,000) in tax. The confiscated goods were suspected of being illegal not only because of their low selling price but also because the concentration of nicotine in them exceeded the allowed limit set by the Ministry of Health. Additionally, 79 kg of hookah tobacco of unknown origin was also confiscated during the operation. The owner of the shop was questioned by authorities.

The phenomenon of smuggling cigarettes in Israel has become prevalent due to the difference in tax rates imposed on cigarettes compared to other smoking products. To address this issue, a coordinated effort between the Tax Authority and the Ministry of Health has been established. The aim is to reduce the consumption of cigarettes, which are known to increase the risk of heart and respiratory diseases.

Currently, cigarettes in Israel are subject to a purchase tax that amounts to 145 percent of the common wholesale price. This high tax rate is intended to discourage smoking and promote public health.

The recent raid on the shop in Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut marks the first instance of identifying locally produced illegal smoking products in Israel. The Tax Authority's initiative to crack down on smuggling is expected to continue as part of the broader effort to combat cigarette consumption in the country.