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

PMI Highlights 43 Million Smoke-Free Users at Stockholm Summit
PMI Highlights 43 Million Smoke-Free Users at Stockholm Summit
Philip Morris International says about 43 million adults worldwide now use its smoke-free products, with nearly 70% having stopped using cigarettes and smoke-free products accounting for about 43% of its net revenues.
Jun.18
Virginia Tightens Vape and Tobacco Retail Enforcement, With Fines Up to $15,000 Per Unlisted Product
Virginia Tightens Vape and Tobacco Retail Enforcement, With Fines Up to $15,000 Per Unlisted Product
A new Virginia law that took effect on July 1, 2026, requires retailers to obtain permits to sell liquid nicotine, vape and tobacco products, while directing Virginia ABC to conduct inspections and verify that stores sell only products listed in the state directory.
Jul.20
Malaysia Police Plan Saliva Tests at Roadblocks to Detect Synthetic Drugs Mixed Into Vape Liquids
Malaysia Police Plan Saliva Tests at Roadblocks to Detect Synthetic Drugs Mixed Into Vape Liquids
Malaysian police plan to use saliva test kits at roadblocks to detect drivers using synthetic liquid drugs marketed as “Piu Piu” and “Magic Mushroom,” substances that authorities say are mixed into vape liquids and inhaled through e-cigarette devices, raising road-safety concerns and adding pressure on vape regulation.
Jun.29
Tobacco Companies Are Redesigning Nicotine Products. BAT Wins Three Red Dot Awards
Tobacco Companies Are Redesigning Nicotine Products. BAT Wins Three Red Dot Awards
According to BAT and the Red Dot Design Award website, BAT’s glo Hilo Plus, Vuse Pro One Box and Vuse Ultra x McLaren F1 Team Limited Edition received Red Dot recognition in the Product Design 2026 competition.BAT said the awards reflect not only the design quality of the individual products but also the development of design as a core internal capability across industrial design, user experience and sustainability. Red Dot’s product pages describe glo Hilo Plus as a two-part tobacco heater with a pen and charging case, plus a touch-sensitive AMOLED display. Vuse Pro One Box is described as a rechargeable e-cigarette with replaceable pods, USB-C charging and a switchable VapourBoost mode. Vuse Ultra x McLaren F1 Team Limited Edition brings motorsport-inspired design elements into a compact e-cigarette device and includes exchangeable batteries.
Jul.17
China Tobacco International HK Warns First-Half Revenue May Fall 25%-30%, Tobacco Leaf and Duty-Free Exposure Highlight Reliance on Traditional Tobacco
China Tobacco International HK Warns First-Half Revenue May Fall 25%-30%, Tobacco Leaf and Duty-Free Exposure Highlight Reliance on Traditional Tobacco
CTIHK expects first-half 2026 revenue to fall 25%-30%, mainly due to lower tobacco leaf imports and delayed cigarette shipments to China’s domestic duty-free market. Its 2025 revenue mix—nearly 90% from tobacco leaf-related businesses and less than 1% from new tobacco products—shows continued exposure to traditional supply chains and trade variables.
Jun.18
PMI Oral Products Chief Says Lack of Rules May Push Nicotine Pouch Market Into Illicit Trade
PMI Oral Products Chief Says Lack of Rules May Push Nicotine Pouch Market Into Illicit Trade
Nick Ricketts, President of Oral Products at Philip Morris International (PMI), told Logos Press that nicotine pouches should be brought under clear regulatory frameworks covering nicotine limits, flavor rules, age verification, sales controls and marketing standards, arguing that the absence of clear rules or blanket bans may push consumer demand into illegal or semi-legal channels.
Jul.06