Kazakhstan police uncover $110,000 worth of illegal e-cigarette trade

Oct.29.2024
Kazakhstan police uncover $110,000 worth of illegal e-cigarette trade
Kazakh police uncover $110,000 worth of illegal e-cigarettes at industrial base in Ekibastuz, with two suspects detained.

According to a report from Kazinform on October 28th, Kazakhstani police discovered a shipment of e-cigarettes valued at 55 million tenge (110,000 USD) at an industrial site in Ekibastuz. The goods were intended for illegal transactions through social media and messaging apps. In addition, authorities also seized nearly 1100 bottles of e-cigarette liquid.


According to police sources, this batch of illegal goods was originally intended for sale. Despite knowing that the circulation of these products has been officially prohibited, some young people continue to sell these e-cigarettes through online stores on well-known social media platforms and instant messaging apps. Currently, two suspects have been detained by the police on suspicion of selling and distributing illegal e-cigarettes.


At the same time, law enforcement officers intercepted a vehicle carrying e-cigarettes during the raid. It is believed that this batch of e-cigarettes was also intended to be delivered to customers who placed orders online.


On June 20th, Kazakhstan officially implemented a law to revise and supplement certain health-related legal provisions, which explicitly bans the sale of smokeless tobacco products and e-cigarettes.


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

Opinion | As EU Reviews Tobacco Rules, Experts Warn Against Overlooking Smokers’ Alternatives
Opinion | As EU Reviews Tobacco Rules, Experts Warn Against Overlooking Smokers’ Alternatives
As the European Commission reviews its tobacco and advertising rules, two experts who provided written comments to 2Firsts argue that future EU policy should not overlook adult smokers’ alternatives. Dr Garrett McGovern and Dr Carmen Escrig say regulators should weigh relative risk, adult switching, flavours, consumer behaviour and scientific uncertainty alongside youth protection.
Industry Insight
Jun.01
Illegal Vape Sellers Still Use TikTok and Other Platforms to Drive Sales Despite Australia’s Ad Ban
Illegal Vape Sellers Still Use TikTok and Other Platforms to Drive Sales Despite Australia’s Ad Ban
Illegal vape sellers are still promoting nicotine products on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube despite Australia’s 2024 advertising ban, while illicit tobacco sales are increasingly moving from physical stores to online marketplaces.
Jul.15
Product | PMI Introduces VEEV inPrime, Bringing an Induction Vaporization Platform to the Next Generation of the VEEV Portfolio
Product | PMI Introduces VEEV inPrime, Bringing an Induction Vaporization Platform to the Next Generation of the VEEV Portfolio
Philip Morris International (PMI) has introduced VEEV inPrime, the next-generation closed-system vape platform featuring the new AdvanceVape Induction System™. Alongside the new induction platform, PMI has redesigned the pods, e-liquid formulations and user interaction experience. According to PMI and official IQOS websites, VEEV inPrime began a phased European rollout between May and June 2026, with products now available in Greece, Estonia, the United Kingdom and Italy.
Jul.14
BofA Upgrades Imperial Brands, Says Market Overreacted to Australia Slump
BofA Upgrades Imperial Brands, Says Market Overreacted to Australia Slump
Bank of America upgraded Imperial Brands to “buy” from “neutral,” saying investors have overreacted to the tobacco group’s Australian business downturn and that the share-price pullback has created a more attractive entry point.
Jul.16
Vuse Alto Adds New U.S. Price Tier as BAT Pushes Deeper Into Mass-Market Vaping
Vuse Alto Adds New U.S. Price Tier as BAT Pushes Deeper Into Mass-Market Vaping
British American Tobacco (BAT) subsidiary Vuse Alto has recently adjusted its price tiers in U.S. convenience store channels, leveraging low-cost device kits and pod promotions to reinforce its positioning in the mid-priced closed-system e-cigarette market.
Jun.17
FDA Grants MRTP Orders for 20 ZYN Nicotine Pouches
FDA Grants MRTP Orders for 20 ZYN Nicotine Pouches
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued modified risk granted orders to Swedish Match USA for 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products, allowing the already-authorized products to be marketed with a specific claim that using ZYN instead of cigarettes lowers the risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Jul.01