Large-scale Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Seizure in Canterbury

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.19.2024
Large-scale Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Seizure in Canterbury
A joint raid by authorities in Canterbury uncovers shocking amounts of illegal e-cigarettes and cigarettes in a Halal grocery store.

A Halal grocery store in the city center of Canterbury, England, became the target of a joint raid conducted by the police and KCC Trading Standards department on Wednesday afternoon (January 17th), as reported by the UK media outlet Kent Online on January 18th. The raid uncovered a shocking amount of illegal e-cigarette devices and cigarettes. This operation aimed to crack down on the illicit trade of tobacco and e-cigarette products in the area, highlighting the authorities' commitment to public safety.

 

The search operation took place at the Halal grocery store on Canterbury Lower Bridge Street, and the police carried out the raid at around 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Several uniformed officers were seen conducting searches inside the store, placing the seized illegal goods in large evidence bags.

 

Images released by the Kent police reveal a significant seizure of illegal e-cigarettes and tobacco products during the operation. As of now, no charges have been filed against the store nor have any arrests been made by the authorities.

 

Sergeant Lee Thompson of the Canterbury Community Task Force has expressed the team's commitment to preventing the sale of products that may pose potential risks to the public. One of our core responsibilities is to monitor and disrupt the illegal sale of tobacco and e-cigarette products in collaboration with partner agencies. Such activities not only impact law-abiding businesses but also jeopardize public safety.

 

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

Indonesia’s Vape Excise Revenue Rises 7.38% in 2025 to $170.4M Amid Broader Tobacco Excise Decline
Indonesia’s Vape Excise Revenue Rises 7.38% in 2025 to $170.4M Amid Broader Tobacco Excise Decline
Indonesia’s customs data show vape (REL) excise revenue reached Rp 2.84 trillion in 2025 (≈$170.4 million), up 7.38% year over year. The gain came even as overall tobacco excise revenue declined. Minimum retail price benchmarks (HJE) for vape products rose in 2025, while excise rates remained unchanged from 2024; open-system e-liquids accounted for the largest share of revenue.
Jan.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Alabama Senate Passes SB9 to Ban Vaping in Indoor Public Places
Alabama Senate Passes SB9 to Ban Vaping in Indoor Public Places
Alabama’s Senate approved SB9 by a 31–1 vote, expanding existing indoor smoking restrictions to include vaping in a wide range of public places. The bill keeps the current $25 fine, renames the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act, and now heads to the House. If enacted, it would take effect on Oct. 1, 2026.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Oklahoma DOC to allow inmates to buy nicotine vapes and pouches in 2026
Oklahoma DOC to allow inmates to buy nicotine vapes and pouches in 2026
Oklahoma’s Department of Corrections says it will begin allowing inmates to buy single-use nicotine vapes and nicotine pouches through prison canteens in 2026, framing the move as a strategy to reduce contraband-driven debts and prison violence. Officials say inmates will be barred from using personal nicotine products, the devices will be disposable and non-cartridge-based, and the program will be self-funded through inmate purchases rather than taxpayer money.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris Japan adds “Electric Purple” to IQOS ILUMA i range, expands to convenience stores from Feb. 3
Philip Morris Japan adds “Electric Purple” to IQOS ILUMA i range, expands to convenience stores from Feb. 3
Philip Morris Japan (PMJ) said on Jan. 29 it has introduced “Electric Purple” as a new standard color option for its IQOS ILUMA i heated tobacco device lineup, covering three models with prices unchanged. The new color will be available from Jan. 29 via the company’s official online and store channels, with sales expanding to convenience stores and some tobacco retailers from Feb. 3.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Austintown PTA hosts “Live Vape Free” town hall to discuss teen vaping risks and prevention
Austintown PTA hosts “Live Vape Free” town hall to discuss teen vaping risks and prevention
The Austintown Parent Teacher Association hosted a “Live Vape Free” town hall to discuss the dangers of vaping devices among middle and high schoolers, the report said. The event was funded by the National PTA Vape-Free Futures Challenge Grant, provided in collaboration with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and Austintown was one of seven PTAs nationwide to receive it.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tax Reform Threatens JTI Heated Tobacco Growth in 2026
Japan Tax Reform Threatens JTI Heated Tobacco Growth in 2026
Japan’s plan to remove the lower tax rate for heated tobacco products could slow growth in the country’s largest HTP market, JTI’s CFO said. Retail prices may rise by 70 to 100 yen, though the company plans phased increases to soften the impact.
JTI
Feb.15