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

China’s E-Cigarette Exports USD 1.096 billion in November, UK and South Korea Offset U.S. Decline
China’s E-Cigarette Exports USD 1.096 billion in November, UK and South Korea Offset U.S. Decline
China’s e-cigarette exports edged lower in November 2025, totaling USD 1.096 billion, down 0.2% month-on-month, as a decline in shipments to the United States was partially offset by stronger demand from the United Kingdom, Germany and South Korea, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs of China.
Dec.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
RFK Jr. Says Public Should Not Follow His Personal Use of Zyn Nicotine Pouches
RFK Jr. Says Public Should Not Follow His Personal Use of Zyn Nicotine Pouches
According to People, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in an interview with The Atlantic that although he frequently uses Zyn nicotine pouches, he does not recommend that Americans imitate his personal habits. His use of nicotine products has drawn renewed attention, alongside ongoing scrutiny of his broader health-related positions.
Dec.04
Belgium seizes 140,019 disposable vapes since the start of 2025 after sales ban took effect
Belgium seizes 140,019 disposable vapes since the start of 2025 after sales ban took effect
Belgium’s Federal Public Health Service said it has seized 140,019 disposable vapes since the start of 2025. The crackdown follows a ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes that came into force on January 1.
Dec.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Subsidiary Warns of Surge in Illegal Nicotine Pouches in Canada, Calls for Unified Regulatory Framework
BAT Subsidiary Warns of Surge in Illegal Nicotine Pouches in Canada, Calls for Unified Regulatory Framework
Imperial Tobacco Canada, a subsidiary of British American Tobacco, has urged the federal government to respond to the spread of illegal nicotine pouches by allowing approved products to be sold through a wider range of adult retail channels. The company is also calling for stronger retail inspections, enhanced digital tracking, and closer coordination among provinces to build a consistent regulatory framework and restore the accessibility of the legal market.
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mexico Passes Law Banning Commercial Sale and Advertising of Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Mexico Passes Law Banning Commercial Sale and Advertising of Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional reform prohibiting the production, import, export, transport, distribution, sale, and advertising of vapes and e-cigarettes nationwide. The law does not ban personal use of such products. Backed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, the amendment to the General Health Law imposes penalties of one to eight years in prison and fines between 11,314 and 226,280 pesos (approximately USD 621–12,430).
Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Hungary’s Continental Tobacco Launches New Slay Nicotine Pouch Brand in UK Targeting Female Consumers
Hungary’s Continental Tobacco Launches New Slay Nicotine Pouch Brand in UK Targeting Female Consumers
Hungary’s Continental Tobacco Group has launched its Slay nicotine pouch brand in the UK, featuring compact, pastel-toned packaging and backed by a multi-million-pound investment and retail pilot programme to build its presence in the local market.
Dec.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai