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

Imperial Brands Urges Retailers to Engage in Government Consultation on Tobacco and Vapes Bill
Imperial Brands Urges Retailers to Engage in Government Consultation on Tobacco and Vapes Bill
Imperial Brands is calling on UK retailers to take part in the Government’s consultation on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will shape a new licensing framework for nicotine product sales across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Department of Health and Social Care’s call for evidence closes on 3 December 2025. Imperial Brands stresses this is a key chance for retailers to influence policy, support fair competition, and help curb illicit sales.
Nov.04
Spanish Police Seize Over 24,000 Smuggled E-Cigarettes; Two Arrested on Multiple Charges
Spanish Police Seize Over 24,000 Smuggled E-Cigarettes; Two Arrested on Multiple Charges
The Spanish Civil Guard carried out an operation targeting e-cigarette smuggling and illegal distribution, seizing a total of 24,520 e-cigarettes of unknown origin valued at approximately €312,000.
Oct.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea Publishes List of Major Tax Delinquents: Vape Wholesaler Owes Over USD 15.5 Million
South Korea Publishes List of Major Tax Delinquents: Vape Wholesaler Owes Over USD 15.5 Million
The Korea Customs Service (KCS) has released a list of 236 habitual and large-scale customs tax delinquents with total unpaid taxes amounting to approximately USD 917 million. Among them, a vape wholesaler tops the individual list, owing about USD 15.57 million, while another vape-related company owes roughly USD 12.02 million.
Nov.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
ARAC to 2Firsts | FDA’s Nicotine Pouch Pilot: What Hasn’t Changed Matters Most
ARAC to 2Firsts | FDA’s Nicotine Pouch Pilot: What Hasn’t Changed Matters Most
In a contribution to 2Firsts, U.S. regulatory consultancy ARAC analyzes the FDA’s nicotine pouch PMTA pilot, cautioning that core evidentiary standards remain unchanged. The firm warns against overinterpreting the pilot and urges companies to act now rather than wait for uncertain regulatory shifts.
Oct.21
Australian Federal Police Dismantles WA Illegal Tobacco Network Linked to National Syndicate
Australian Federal Police Dismantles WA Illegal Tobacco Network Linked to National Syndicate
Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Western Australia Police seized more than five tonnes of illicit tobacco products in Perth, including over four million cigarettes, about 50,000 vapes, and nearly 900 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco. Authorities allege the operation, linked to a national organised crime syndicate, aimed to evade around $8 million in Commonwealth excise and taxes.
Oct.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
RELX Launches Guide Dog Partner Program in China, Delivers First 10 Trained Dogs
RELX Launches Guide Dog Partner Program in China, Delivers First 10 Trained Dogs
RLX Technology has launched a RMB 4 million guide dog program in China, delivering the first 10 trained dogs as its RELX brand expands social responsibility efforts amid a nationwide shortage.
Nov.14