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

Russian Lawmaker Says Bill on Full Vape Sales Ban Is Before State Duma
Russian Lawmaker Says Bill on Full Vape Sales Ban Is Before State Duma
Yaroslav Nilov, chair of the State Duma Committee on Labour, Social Policy and Veterans’ Affairs, said a bill proposing a full ban on vape sales is currently before the State Duma, though no final decision has yet been made. He said the initiative has been signed by representatives of almost all factions and noted that support for a full ban has also been voiced at the regional governor level. Nilov also said vape use in Russia is increasing while the age of consumers is declining.
Mar.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thailand’s Bangkok Port Customs Reports E-Cigarette and Nitrous Oxide Seizure Worth More Than THB 27 Million
Thailand’s Bangkok Port Customs Reports E-Cigarette and Nitrous Oxide Seizure Worth More Than THB 27 Million
Bangkok Port Customs on April 28 announced the seizure of 52,000 complete e-cigarettes, 100 gallons of e-liquid and 126,226 canisters of nitrous oxide, with total economic damage exceeding THB 27 million, or about USD 831,178 based on an April 28 USD/THB rate of 32.484. The e-cigarette and e-liquid shipment was valued at THB 5.56 million, or about USD 171,161, while the nitrous oxide shipment was valued at THB 21.27 million, or about USD 654,784.
Apr.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
OLAF and Customs Authorities From 30 Countries Seize More Than 94 Million Illicit Vape and Heated Tobacco Items
OLAF and Customs Authorities From 30 Countries Seize More Than 94 Million Illicit Vape and Heated Tobacco Items
The European Anti-Fraud Office said on April 17 that its “JCO VAPE” operation, carried out together with customs authorities from 30 countries, successfully targeted the illicit trade in e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The operation, conducted from November 14 to December 15, 2025, resulted in seizures of more than 94 million items and more than 2,500 kg/l of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, devices, and related goods.
Apr.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Receives Royal Assent, Banning Tobacco Sales to People Born After 2008
UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Receives Royal Assent, Banning Tobacco Sales to People Born After 2008
The UK government announced on April 29 that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill had received Royal Assent and become law. Under the new law, it is illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009. The government said the law creates the UK’s first “smoke-free generation” and includes measures to ban the advertising and sponsorship of vapes and nicotine products, as well as powers to restrict packaging, branding and displays designed to appeal to children.
Apr.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Cambodia Siem Reap raid seizes over 10,000 e-cigarette items; two arrested
Cambodia Siem Reap raid seizes over 10,000 e-cigarette items; two arrested
Police in Siem Reap, Cambodia, seized 10,168 items of e-cigarette paraphernalia during a raid on February 28, 2026, and arrested two suspected sellers and owners of the premises.
Mar.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippine DTI Says Flavored Vape Products With Minor-Appealing Descriptors Are “100 Percent Smuggled”
Philippine DTI Says Flavored Vape Products With Minor-Appealing Descriptors Are “100 Percent Smuggled”
A Philippine Department of Trade and Industry official told a Senate hearing on vaping regulations that flavored vape products marketed with descriptors attractive to minors are “100 percent smuggled” and did not pass the agency’s licensing process.
Mar.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai