Major Breakthrough: Police Bust Massive Counterfeit E-Cigarette Case in Hefei

Dec.12.2024
Major Breakthrough: Police Bust Massive Counterfeit E-Cigarette Case in Hefei
An illegal e-cigarette production ring was busted in Hefei, Anhui province, resulting in 12 arrests and seizure of 20,000 boxes.

On December 11th, according to a report from China News Service, the Criminal Investigation Brigade of the High-Tech Sub-bureau of the Public Security Bureau in Hefei City, Anhui Province recently successfully cracked a major case of counterfeit e-cigarettes, arresting 12 suspects, dismantling 1 production site, 3 storage sites, and seizing over 20,000 boxes of counterfeit e-cigarettes at the scene.


In early November 2024, the Hefei High-Tech Public Security Bureau received a tip-off that someone was selling counterfeit e-cigarettes online, with a significant amount of money involved in the case. In order to evade detection, the suspects took various measures to avoid investigation by the authorities, choosing remote suburban rental houses as assembly points. They also used logistics and express delivery services to transport the counterfeit e-cigarettes, ensuring that they did not personally handle the transportation themselves.


According to Officer Meng, the police officer in charge of the case, the counterfeit e-cigarette packaging is trendy and stylish, with low prices that are highly attractive to young people. However, these products have concerning quality issues and serious safety hazards, and do not meet mandatory national standards. The individuals involved in the case do not have the necessary tobacco sales licenses. Currently, the case is still under further investigation.


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

RJ Reynolds Vapor Company and CHUC Complete Third-Round Deal: $1 Million Acquisition of a PMTA-Pending Product
RJ Reynolds Vapor Company and CHUC Complete Third-Round Deal: $1 Million Acquisition of a PMTA-Pending Product
R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company acquires additional tobacco products and assets from Charlie's Holdings for $1 million.
Aug.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Brazilian Government: Social Media and E-Commerce Platforms Must Remove Vape-Related Content Within 48 Hours
Brazilian Government: Social Media and E-Commerce Platforms Must Remove Vape-Related Content Within 48 Hours
Brazil’s government has given social media and e-commerce platforms 48 hours to take down content and offers related to e-cigarettes. The order, issued by the National Council to Combat Piracy and Intellectual Property Crimes (CNCP), is part of a nationwide crackdown on illegal online sales and advertising of vaping products. Companies must also file compliance reports within ten business days or face penalties.
Aug.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK E-Cigarette Approved List Update: 320 New SKUs Approved, Including ELFBAR, SKE, MASKKING, and More (July 28 - August 1)
UK E-Cigarette Approved List Update: 320 New SKUs Approved, Including ELFBAR, SKE, MASKKING, and More (July 28 - August 1)
Between July 28 and August 1, the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) e-cigarette product notification database listed 320 new SKUs, including e-cigarettes, multi-flavor pods, and accessories from brands like ELFBAR, IVG, SKE, MASKKING, and INNOKIN.
Aug.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Southeast Sees Surge in Seizures of Illegal Vapes – Single Largest Haul Nears 1,250 Units
UK Southeast Sees Surge in Seizures of Illegal Vapes – Single Largest Haul Nears 1,250 Units
Local authorities in Southeast England have reported a sharp rise in the number of illegal e-cigarettes seized. In 2024, Sussex confiscated around 21,200 units, while Surrey saw its tally rise from about 500 in 2020 to nearly 14,140—a 28-fold increase. The government pledged to support councils in tackling the issue, while industry groups urged harsher economic penalties for rogue traders and more funding for enforcement, warning that the disposable vape ban could fuel the black market.
Aug.18
Controversy Over “Smoking Lu Xun” Mural Propels Nicotine Pouches into China’s Public Discourse
Controversy Over “Smoking Lu Xun” Mural Propels Nicotine Pouches into China’s Public Discourse
A complaint targeting a cultural icon unexpectedly thrust a little-known nicotine product into the national spotlight—triggering widespread confusion and backlash.
Aug.27
Egypt Tops Global Hookah Exports in 2024, with Middle East and North Africa as Key Markets
Egypt Tops Global Hookah Exports in 2024, with Middle East and North Africa as Key Markets
In 2024, Egypt remained the world’s largest exporter of hookah tobacco (maassel), accounting for 32% of global exports with a total value of $127.4 million and a volume of 27,000 tons. Its growth is driven by a strong local production base, competitive pricing, and diverse flavors. Key markets—Iraq, Libya, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait—collectively make up 70% of its exports.
Jul.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai