UK police seize thousands of illegal e-cigarettes worth over £60,000

Nov.06.2024
UK police seize thousands of illegal e-cigarettes worth over £60,000
Leeds police seize over £60,000 worth of illegal tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cannabis. Police warn the public that illegal tobacco is linked to organized crime.

Leeds police and the Trading Standards have seized over £60,000 worth of illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes, according to ITV's report on November 5.

 

Last month, police conducted a two-day raid on multiple shops in the Leeds Harehills area, seizing illegal items worth a total of £62,796. These illicit items included 2,482 packs of cigarettes, 85 bags of hand-rolled tobacco, and 1,185 e-cigarettes.

 

In this operation, the police also seized over £25,000 worth of cannabis and arrested a suspect.

 

Kody Bradley, the lead officer for the operation in the region, stated, "This two-day operation is just part of our ongoing efforts with partners to bring lasting positive change to the lives and work of those in Harehills. I hope the community can feel reassured by our efforts to disrupt organized crime and track down those profiting from it."

 

Linda Davis, head of Trading Standards, added, "Collaboration is key to ensuring the safety of our local communities. The supply of illegal tobacco is by no means a victimless crime, with those involved often linked to organized crime gangs associated with drugs, modern slavery, and other illegal activities, making it easier for children to start smoking."

 

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

Syria announces comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes covering production, trade, sale and use
Syria announces comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes covering production, trade, sale and use
Syria Damascus health authorities announced a comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes, prohibiting their production, circulation, sale and use, citing health risks and the need to protect public health, particularly among children and young people.
Mar.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Imperial Brands Launches Red, Gold and Silver iD Heated Tobacco Sticks in Europe
Imperial Brands Launches Red, Gold and Silver iD Heated Tobacco Sticks in Europe
Imperial Brands PLC said on February 18, 2026 that it has launched its new Red, Gold and Silver iD heated tobacco sticks in Greece and Poland, with a broader rollout across Europe planned for 2026.
Feb.18
Russia’s St. Petersburg Sets Up Working Group to Consider Citywide Vape Sales Ban
Russia’s St. Petersburg Sets Up Working Group to Consider Citywide Vape Sales Ban
Russia’s St. Petersburg legislature has formed a working group to explore tougher controls on vape trade and sales, including the option of a citywide sales ban. The group is set to convene on Jan. 26 with participation from lawmakers, civil society and law enforcement. The move comes as Russia’s federal authorities continue to debate legislation that could allow regions to impose their own restrictions on vapes.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kazakhstan: Over 131,000 vapes seized in Almaty and Pavlodar case; about $1.422 million cited
Kazakhstan: Over 131,000 vapes seized in Almaty and Pavlodar case; about $1.422 million cited
Kazakhstan’s financial monitoring authorities said a group is suspected of illicitly distributing vaping devices in Almaty and Pavlodar Region, using Telegram as a sales channel with courier delivery. During searches, investigators seized more than 131,000 vapes valued at 711 million tenge (about $1.422 million, using 1 tenge = $0.0020).
Mar.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Azerbaijan moves to fine and confiscate e-cigarettes across supply chain; full ban expected April 1, 2026
Azerbaijan moves to fine and confiscate e-cigarettes across supply chain; full ban expected April 1, 2026
Azerbaijan is considering administrative penalties for the use, import, export, production, wholesale and retail sale, and storage for sale of e-cigarettes, including confiscation of products. The proposed amendments were discussed at a parliamentary committee meeting. The draft sets fine ranges for individuals, officials, and legal entities, and introduces a separate fine for vaping in prohibited places and public areas.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
California federal judge certifies direct purchaser class in Juul–Altria antitrust litigation
California federal judge certifies direct purchaser class in Juul–Altria antitrust litigation
A California federal judge has certified a class of direct purchasers of Juul products in antitrust litigation alleging Juul and Altria conspired to have Altria exit the e-cigarette market.
Mar.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai