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

Nov.06.2024

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."

References:

[1] Over £60,000 worth of illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes seized in Leeds

Also Read:

[1] Illegal E-cigarette and Counterfeit Goods Seized in Northumberland Raid

[2] Over 18000 Pounds Worth of Illegal E-cigarettes Seized

[3] Authorities Seize Nearly £20,000 in Illegal E-cigarette Crackdown

[4] UK county seizes £1.6m in illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes bearing "HAYATI" branding

[5] Over 45% of Welsh students have tried vaping, with significant rise among girls and non-smokers

#Europe #Law enforcement #Traditional tobacco #United Kingdom

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

Teen Nicotine Use Surges in Pakistan as Flavoured Vapes Spread Rapidly

Pakistan is experiencing a sharp rise in nicotine use among teenagers, driven by widespread availability of flavoured vapes and e-cigarettes. Cheap, sweet-flavoured devices are easily accessible in major cities, and weak enforcement of age limits has enabled young users to adopt vaping at alarming rates. Activists warn that industry marketing falsely portrays e-cigarettes as “safer,” putting youth at risk of long-term addiction and serious health effects.

Nov.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai

UK Experts Raise Concerns Over High-Dose Nicotine Pouches Amid Rising Sales

According to The Guardian, health experts in the UK are warning about the potential health effects of high-dose nicotine pouches as their sales continue to rise. Recent studies show teenagers reporting nicotine rushes, sickness and fainting, while researchers say packaging and marketing increasingly appeal to younger age groups. Although viewed as less harmful than cigarettes, experts remain concerned about their use among non-smokers, especially adolescents.

Nov.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai

2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength

British American Tobacco (BAT) introduced the VELO Shift nicotine pouch in September 2025, featuring a hexagonal outer can and an oval-triangle pouch shape that departs from traditional designs. Two months after launch, the product is available in the U.K., U.S. and Sweden. Social-media feedback indicates the design has been well received, while some users are calling for higher nicotine strength.

Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Sarawak Cabinet Approves Gradual Ban on Vape Products to Curb Rising Youth Use

The Sarawak Cabinet has agreed to implement a phased ban on vape products amid growing concern over rising use among youths. Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the move demonstrates the state’s firm commitment to safeguarding young people’s health and future.