Massive Crackdown on Illegal E-cigarette Operation in Chongqing, China

Jun.21.2024
Massive Crackdown on Illegal E-cigarette Operation in Chongqing, China
Chongqing police cracked a large-scale illegal e-cigarette case, seizing over 300,000 fruity-flavored non-standard e-cigarette pods and equipment.

According to a report from China News on June 20, the Public Security Bureau of Hechuan District in Chongqing recently cracked a major case of illegal operation of e-cigarettes, seizing over 300,000 finished e-cigarette pods with non-national standard fruit flavors and over 6 million unfinished pods.


Earlier, the Food and Drug Environmental Protection Brigade of Hechuan District Public Security Bureau first received relevant clues. A counterfeit e-cigarette pod was being sold at an e-cigarette sales point in Hechuan. Following an immediate investigation, a criminal group involved in the illegal production and sale of counterfeit e-cigarettes was uncovered.


Under the guidance of the Chongqing City Public Security Bureau's Anti-counterfeiting Division and Technical Investigation Division, the Hechuan Public Security Bureau deployed over 60 police officers to carry out a unified operation to arrest suspects in Guangdong Shenzhen, Dongguan, Huizhou and other locations, based on intelligence gathered on production and sales points.


The operation resulted in the arrest of 9 suspects and the successful destruction of 2 illegal "black factories" producing counterfeit e-cigarettes, as well as 3 storage "black locations." In addition to seizing over 300,000 finished non-standard e-cigarette pods and over 6 million semi-finished products on site, the police also confiscated more than 100,000 anti-counterfeiting labels, 25 production equipment, and over 400,000 yuan in cash related to the case.


At the same time, the relevant departments also conducted price assessments for 6 brands of e-cigarette products involved in the case, determining that the total amount involved in the case reached as high as 9.9878 million RMB.


Currently, nine suspects have been transferred to the prosecutor's office for prosecution, and 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

KT&G Approves Plan to Establish Guatemala Branch as First Local Base in Central and South America
KT&G Approves Plan to Establish Guatemala Branch as First Local Base in Central and South America
KT&G has approved a plan to establish a branch in Guatemala, which will serve as its first local base in Central and South America. The company is currently preparing office space, staffing, and operating systems. KT&G said the branch is intended to secure a regional distribution base and will focus on local channel management and new sales channel expansion. Meanwhile, overseas cigarette revenue in 2025 exceeded the domestic share for the first time.
Mar.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia anti-tobacco groups call for stronger enforcement as unregulated vapes remain on sale offline and online
Malaysia anti-tobacco groups call for stronger enforcement as unregulated vapes remain on sale offline and online
Anti-tobacco groups in Malaysia say the continued sale of unregulated vapes in physical stores and the online availability of vape devices underline the need for comprehensive enforcement.
Mar.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Casey’s, the No. 3 U.S. C-Store Chain, Sees Nicotine Category Shift as Pouches Rise 31% and Vapor 12%
Casey’s, the No. 3 U.S. C-Store Chain, Sees Nicotine Category Shift as Pouches Rise 31% and Vapor 12%
Casey’s General Stores (NASDAQ: CASY) reported accelerating growth in modern nicotine products during its fiscal third quarter ended January 31, 2026. Nicotine pouch sales increased 31% year over year, while vapor products rose 12%. Although cigarette unit sales continued to decline, management stated that the rate of decline slowed compared to prior quarters.
Market
Mar.15
UK Barnsley: Town-centre vape shop and owner hit with £15,000+ bill after ignoring three improvement notices
UK Barnsley: Town-centre vape shop and owner hit with £15,000+ bill after ignoring three improvement notices
A Barnsley town-centre vape retailer and its owner have been ordered to pay more than £15,000 after admitting multiple offences linked to the continued sale of illegal single-use vapes and non-compliant food items, despite three formal improvement notices.
Feb.06 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
PMI U.S. to Host Job Fair for ZYN Nicotine Pouch Factory in Colorado
PMI U.S. to Host Job Fair for ZYN Nicotine Pouch Factory in Colorado
PMI U.S. plans to host a job fair to recruit employees for its ZYN nicotine pouch manufacturing facility currently under construction in Aurora, Colorado. The main position being recruited is Process Technician, responsible for equipment operation and maintenance, quality and safety monitoring, and supporting continuous production improvements.
Mar.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai