Largest E-cigarette Factory in Taiwan Bust: Record Seizure

Jul.31.2024
Largest E-cigarette Factory in Taiwan Bust: Record Seizure
The largest e-cigarette factory in Taiwan was successfully raided in Taichung, with illegal materials seized worth over 10 million NT dollars.

According to TaiwanNews on July 31, the largest e-cigarette factory in the history of Taiwan was successfully raided in Taichung City. The Taichung Health Bureau in Taiwan stated that this incident marks the largest e-cigarette factory to be uncovered in Taiwan since the revision of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act in March of last year, which banned e-cigarettes. The factory had an estimated market value of 140.6 million New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 4.28 million USD).

Largest E-cigarette Factory in Taiwan Bust: Record Seizure
Image source: TaiwanNews


According to reports, the Taiwan Taichung Health Bureau and the Police Department received intelligence in December last year that a criminal group had secretly established a large-scale e-cigarette smuggling factory in Taichung. Subsequently, the Health Bureau and the Criminal Investigation Brigade of the Police Department jointly established a special task force to conduct an investigation. It wasn't until May last year that investigators pinpointed three locations, including the Beitun District and the North District of Taichung City, where the criminal group had repeatedly relocated the factory during the investigation.

Largest E-cigarette Factory in Taiwan Bust: Record Seizure
Image source: TaiwanNews


During this operation, over 10.15 million New Taiwan dollars (approximately $308,800 USD) in illegal cash and 940,000 e-cigarette pods were confiscated, involving brands such as "RELX," "TROY," "SP2S," and "LANA." Additionally, investigators also discovered over 13,000 electronic liquid vaporizers, three large barrels of nicotine, 306 cans of pod flavors, and other related devices.


The married couple surnamed Zhang and the married couple surnamed Li, who are suspected of being the masterminds, along with six Thai migrant workers with expired visas, have been named as the key suspects. Investigators believe that these suspects illegally imported nicotine and e-cigarette raw materials from mainland China, which are mainly sold on foreign websites.


The suspects may face charges of violating the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act and the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act. In addition, they are also suspected of violating Article 41 of the Tax Collection Act and the Anti-Money Laundering Act.


According to the relevant laws, the production, import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes can be fined up to 50 million Taiwanese dollars (approximately 1.53 million US dollars). Even regular e-cigarette users may face fines ranging from 2,000 Taiwanese dollars (approximately 61 US dollars) to 10,000 Taiwanese dollars (approximately 304 US dollars).


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

Usonic Dual Launched: China Tobacco Hunan IC and Firstunion Debut Full-Area Thermal Field Technology
Usonic Dual Launched: China Tobacco Hunan IC and Firstunion Debut Full-Area Thermal Field Technology
China Tobacco Hunan IC and Firstunion Group unveiled the Usonic Dual at InterTabac 2025, showcasing a groundbreaking full-area thermal field system and AI-powered interactive design that redefines the heated tobacco experience.
Sep.19
Philip Morris South Africa calls for science-based tobacco regulation, emphasizing a "risk-proportionate" framework to accelerate smoking rate reduction
Philip Morris South Africa calls for science-based tobacco regulation, emphasizing a "risk-proportionate" framework to accelerate smoking rate reduction
Philip Morris International (PMI) South Africa calls for scientific regulation of e-cigarettes to promote tobacco harm reduction.
Aug.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Interviews ASDF on Malaysia’s Vape Ad Ban, Total Prohibition Plans, and What’s Next
2Firsts Interviews ASDF on Malaysia’s Vape Ad Ban, Total Prohibition Plans, and What’s Next
Malaysia’s Vape Market in Turmoil.Since the implementation of Act 852, Malaysia’s e-cigarette sector has been undergoing intense upheaval. From stricter compliance inspections and a full advertising ban to a proposal for a complete sales prohibition, a regulatory storm is reshaping the industry landscape.2Firsts talks with leading local brand ASDF to learn how it is responding to challenges and laying out a compliance roadmap in the current policy environment.
Aug.14
Singapore's four-day joint operation to investigate e-cigarettes resulted in the arrest of four e-cigarette users
Singapore's four-day joint operation to investigate e-cigarettes resulted in the arrest of four e-cigarette users
Singapore's HSA & NEA held a 4-day joint op against e-cig use in Tampines, CBD & other areas: 4 offenders (24-43) caught, fined on-site; 27 e-cigs/accessories seized. Singapore also tightened e-cig enforcement, authorizing over 5k frontline officers on Sept 9; stricter penalties took effect Sept 1—1st under-18s: S$500 (≈US$389), 18+: S$700 (≈US$545); 2nd offenders: 3-mth rehab; 3rd+: prosecution, up to S$2k (≈US$1,557). Etomidate e-cig users face harsher penalties (higher fines, rehab) & prosecu
Sep.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Spain Moves to Ban Smoking and Vaping on Bar Terraces, Beaches, Stadiums, and Bus Stops
Spain Moves to Ban Smoking and Vaping on Bar Terraces, Beaches, Stadiums, and Bus Stops
Spain’s minority government has introduced a bill to prohibit smoking and the use of e-cigarettes in outdoor venues such as beaches, bar and restaurant terraces, bus stops, and sports stadiums. The proposal—framed as a public-health measure—faces a fragmented parliament and hospitality-sector pushback. Unlike France’s July restrictions, Spain’s plan includes both terraces and e-cigarettes. The bill excludes plain packaging; Spain records over 50,000 smoking-related deaths annually.
Sep.10
Company | JTI Executive: The company has invested over 300 million euros in Romania and created 1,500 jobs
Company | JTI Executive: The company has invested over 300 million euros in Romania and created 1,500 jobs
JTI has operated in Romania for over 30 years, investing over €300M and creating 1,500 jobs. It paid €1.3B in taxes in 2024. Executive Lucine Ovumyan recently told Antena 3 that the company contributes significantly to the economy but is concerned about a proposed EU tobacco tax directive. She said it could lead to a 59% tax increase over three years and fuel illegal trade. She called for balanced tax policies and dialogue to support growth, innovation, and fair competition.
Sep.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai