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

EU Launches Online Feedback as TPD Revision Enters New Milestone
EU Launches Online Feedback as TPD Revision Enters New Milestone
The European Commission has opened an online call for evidence on revising EU tobacco products and advertising rules, marking a new phase in the TPD/TAD review. Policy options may cover novel products, flavours, packaging, digital marketing and advertising. A 2Firsts review of 855 early submissions shows rapid engagement and recurring debate over differentiated regulation, harm reduction, youth protection, illicit trade and economic impact.
Special Report
May.21
  South Korea Reopens Cigarette Tax Debate as 63% Back Higher Tobacco Taxes
South Korea Reopens Cigarette Tax Debate as 63% Back Higher Tobacco Taxes
South Korea’s cigarette tax debate has resurfaced after the Ministry of Health and Welfare said tobacco price policy needed review, with a poll showing 63% of respondents support higher tobacco taxes.
Regulations
Jun.22
Argentina Issues Resolution 549/2026 to Regulate Vapes, Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouches
Argentina Issues Resolution 549/2026 to Regulate Vapes, Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouches
Argentina’s government has created a comprehensive regulatory framework for nicotine products, including vapes, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches, through Resolution 549/2026 published in the Official Gazette. The new regulation ends the previous prohibitive framework and establishes rules to organize the market by requiring traceability, quality standards and mandatory registration for all manufacturers and retailers operating in the country.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ukrainian Media: Polish Vape Distributor Evapify Allegedly Linked to Russian Businessman Named in U.S. “Russia Oligarch Report”
Ukrainian Media: Polish Vape Distributor Evapify Allegedly Linked to Russian Businessman Named in U.S. “Russia Oligarch Report”
According to an investigative report by Euromaidan Press, a Ukrainian English-language independent media outlet, Russian businessman Oleg Boyko has been sanctioned by Ukraine, Poland, Australia and Canada, but has not been added to the European Union’s sanctions list. The report alleges that Evapify, a Polish vape distributor with financial and personal ties to Boyko, holds a significant position in Poland’s disposable vape market.
News
Jun.01
InterTabac 2026: First conference program highlights now available online
InterTabac 2026: First conference program highlights now available online
With three months to go before the international tobacco and nicotine industry gathers again in Dortmund, InterTabac, together with NUBIZ and InterSupply, is set to bring around 800 exhibitors from across the globe to eleven exhibition halls. The three events will showcase innovation, market trends and industry networking, while the first conference program highlights are now online, offering trade visitors keynotes, panel discussions and masterclasses to support business decision-making.
Events
Jun.22
FDA Tobacco Center Pushes Review-Efficiency Statement After Commissioner’s Exit
FDA Tobacco Center Pushes Review-Efficiency Statement After Commissioner’s Exit
FDA CTP issued a May 7 statement on accelerating product review and improving PMTA efficiency, but did not push it via official X and newsletter until May 13, one day after FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s resignation was confirmed. FDA has not explained the delay, and no public evidence links it directly to the leadership change. The timing is notable given CTP’s usual 24-hour distribution practice.
Special Report
May.14