Police in Kent County seize illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes

Aug.07.2024
Police in Kent County seize illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes
Kent police raided eight shops in Gravesend, uncovering illegal e-cigarettes, untaxed cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and tobacco hidden in secret compartments.

According to a report by the BBC on August 6th, Kent Police discovered illegal e-cigarettes, untaxed cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and tobacco in eight shops in Gravesend, England.

Police in Kent County seize illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes
Gravesend Eight shops discovered illegal e-cigarettes, untaxed cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and tobacco. Image source: Kent Police Department.


These illegal items were found hidden behind a false wall and in other concealed areas of the store.


On Monday (5th), Kent Police, Kent Trading Standards, and the licensing department of Gravesham Borough Council conducted surprise inspections of these shops.


A police spokesperson stated that the authorities seized 881 illegal e-cigarettes, 44,180 illegal cigarettes, 126 nicotine pouches, and 8.65 kilograms of tobacco, as well as 103 packets of shisha.


Police Inspector Kirsty Dunne stated that...


This operation demonstrates the severity of the issue and the 'extreme measures' people take to avoid being caught. Selling illegal cigarettes and tobacco poses serious health risks to consumers and hinders law-abiding businesses.


In June, according to survey data released by Vape Superstore, one third of e-cigarettes sold in the UK between January 1st and February 29th 2023 did not meet regulations. Kent County Council confiscated the highest number of illegal e-cigarettes in the UK, totaling 431,005. Many of these illegal e-cigarettes entered through the European tunnel terminals and the port of Dover.


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

Russia’s Federation Council Approves Law Allowing Extrajudicial Blocking of Online Tobacco Sales
Russia’s Federation Council Approves Law Allowing Extrajudicial Blocking of Online Tobacco Sales
Russia’s Federation Council has approved legislation allowing authorities to block websites offering online sales of tobacco, nicotine-containing products, heated tobacco devices and hookahs without a court order.
Dec.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Imperial Brands’ blu adds “Creamy Tobacco” flavour, rolling out across device kits and pod products
Imperial Brands’ blu adds “Creamy Tobacco” flavour, rolling out across device kits and pod products
Imperial Brands’ vaping brand blu has outlined its flavour roadmap for 2026 on its official website, adding a new “Creamy Tobacco” flavour that has been rolled out across the rechargeable blu bar kit and its compatible blu kit pods. The brand describes the flavour as offering a more velvety tobacco taste.
Dec.19
Product | Unique Serial Number + Custom Design: Vuse Launches McLaren F1 Team Limited-Edition Vape
Product | Unique Serial Number + Custom Design: Vuse Launches McLaren F1 Team Limited-Edition Vape
Vuse has launched a McLaren Racing co-branded limited-edition vape, the Vuse Ultra x McLaren F1 Team Limited Edition, on its official website. Based on the standard Vuse Ultra, the device features design elements including McLaren’s “Racing Papaya” orange, and comes with wireless charging and two replaceable batteries. The product is priced at £45.
Dec.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea Implements Public Tobacco Harmfulness Management Program, Including 22 Harmful Components in E-Cigarettes
South Korea Implements Public Tobacco Harmfulness Management Program, Including 22 Harmful Components in E-Cigarettes
South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety convened the first 2025 Tobacco Harmfulness Management Policy Committee, finalizing new lists of harmful substances for cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and liquid e-cigarettes to be publicly disclosed from next year.
Nov.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China’s E-Cigarette Exports Rise to USD 1.098 Billion in October 2025, Up 23.7% Year-on-Year as U.S. Demand Surges
China’s E-Cigarette Exports Rise to USD 1.098 Billion in October 2025, Up 23.7% Year-on-Year as U.S. Demand Surges
China’s e-cigarette exports reached USD 1.098 billion in October 2025, rising 24.8% month-on-month and 23.7% year-on-year, according to the latest data released by the General Administration of Customs of China. Export concentration increased to 83.11%, with the U.S. market contributing the largest share of monthly growth.
Nov.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mexico’s Congress Prepares Total Ban on Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Mexico’s Congress Prepares Total Ban on Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies is preparing to vote on several major bills before the end of the legislative session, including a full ban on vapes and e-cigarettes. The proposed reform to the General Health Law would prohibit the manufacturing, sale, import, and export of these products, imposing penalties of up to eight years in prison and fines exceeding 200,000 pesos (approximately USD 11,000). L
Dec.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai