Police in Kent County seize illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes

Aug.07.2024

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.

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.

References:

[1] Illegal cigarettes found behind fake walls

Also Read:

[1] Kent County Trade Standards Department Seizes Over 14,500 E-cigarettes

[2] Rising Concerns Over Illegal E-Cigarette Sales in the UK.

[3] Surge in Illegal E-Cigarettes in Kent County, UK

[4] Kent County Council to Combat Illegal E-Cigarette Sales to Teenagers

#Europe #Law enforcement #United Kingdom #Illegal e-cigarettes

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

Romania Fines Philip Morris and Distributors Over IQOS Price Fixing

Romania’s Competition Council has found that Philip Morris Trading SRL and two distributors engaged in agreements to fix resale prices and promotional discounts for IQOS heated tobacco products.

Dec.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Product | “2+20” Configuration and Magnetic Semi-Enclosed Design: JNR Open-System E-cigarette Enters the UK Market

The e-cigarette brand JNR has recently launched its open-system product, JNR Whale, in the UK market, with the device now available through online retail channels such as Vape Sourcing and IDEA VAPE. The product features a 2+20 ml refillable configuration, combined with a dual mesh coil and a magnetic design, and is priced at approximately £11.99 across retail channels.

Dec.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai

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

Mongolia Proposes Full Regulation of E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Law

Mongolia’s Parliament has begun reviewing major amendments to the Tobacco Control Law, which would bring e-cigarettes and other new nicotine products under the same legal framework as traditional cigarettes. The bill also proposes a gradual increase in tobacco excise taxes through 2030 and new restrictions on flavors, marketing, and public smoking.