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

Thailand's Senate and House of Representatives have different stances on e-cigarettes: the Senate advocates a ban on sales, while the House of Representatives proposes legalization and regulation
Thailand's Senate and House of Representatives have different stances on e-cigarettes: the Senate advocates a ban on sales, while the House of Representatives proposes legalization and regulation
Recently, the Thai Senate and House of Representatives submitted research reports on e-cigarettes, but their positions were completely opposite. The report of the Senate Public Health Committee insisted on maintaining a complete ban on the import and sale of e-cigarettes, emphasizing the protection of public health, especially youth health, while the report of the House of Representatives Special Committee proposed to legalize e-cigarettes under a strict regulatory framework.
Sep.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
London, UK, launches online reporting channel, seizes nearly 120,000 illegal e-cigarettes in one year
London, UK, launches online reporting channel, seizes nearly 120,000 illegal e-cigarettes in one year
The UK's London Trading Standards Agency has launched the "Speak Up, Save Lives" online anonymous reporting tool for children and young people to report illegal e-cigarette sales to combat underage tobacco purchases. The initiative has received £3.2 million (about $4.32 million) in support, which will be used to strengthen law enforcement, train law enforcement personnel, and supplement related resources.
Sep.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | Magnetic-attach design + mini display: FASTA’s new product goes on sale in the U.S., priced around $16
Product | Magnetic-attach design + mini display: FASTA’s new product goes on sale in the U.S., priced around $16
FASTA’s 40K Kit hits U.S. retailers: magnetic prefilled pods + reusable battery, mini display, two power levels; rated 20 mL/40,000 puffs/50 mg; some listings at $15.99.
Oct.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ukrainian Researchers Estimate E-Cigarette Black Market at 90%, Warn of About $180 Million Budget Hit in 2025
Ukrainian Researchers Estimate E-Cigarette Black Market at 90%, Warn of About $180 Million Budget Hit in 2025
Ukrainian researchers estimate that the illicit e-cigarette market makes up about 93% of total sales. Based on the National Bank of Ukraine’s exchange rate, if the black market remains at its current size, Ukraine’s state and local budgets could lose roughly $180 million in revenue in 2025.
Oct.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Portugal to Tax Nicotine Pouches from 2026 at €0.065 per Gram
Portugal to Tax Nicotine Pouches from 2026 at €0.065 per Gram
Portugal’s 2026 State Budget adds nicotine pouches to the IEC by inserting Article 104-D into the Excise Code’s tobacco chapter. A specific duty of €0.065/g applies from 2026, with rounding to whole grams. The Budget also defines pouches (natural nicotine, up to 12 mg, tobacco-free, oral mucosal absorption). Lusa projects €1.676B in tobacco excise for 2026; combined levies near €1.993B.
Oct.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mexico Mulls 30% Tobacco Tax Hike from 2026; Industry Warns of Illicit Market Growth and Revenue Losses
Mexico Mulls 30% Tobacco Tax Hike from 2026; Industry Warns of Illicit Market Growth and Revenue Losses
Mexico’s National Tobacco Industry Council (Conainta) has raised concerns over a federal proposal to increase the Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS) on cigarettes and nicotine products by more than 30% starting in 2026, and to levy up to a 200% tax on alternative nicotine products. Conainta and the Mexican Confederation of Industrial Chambers (Concamin) estimate illicit consumption could climb to 50%, with annual fiscal losses of MXN 13–15 billion.
Sep.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai