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

Ispire Q2 FY2026 revenue falls to $20.3M as it trims lower-quality customers; A/R down nearly 20%
Ispire Q2 FY2026 revenue falls to $20.3M as it trims lower-quality customers; A/R down nearly 20%
Ispire reported a sharp year-on-year revenue decline in Q2 FY2026 as it shifted away from lower-quality customers, while cutting operating expenses and narrowing its net loss. The company also highlighted improved collections, with net accounts receivable down nearly one-fifth since June 30, 2025, alongside ongoing manufacturing and technology initiatives.
Feb.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mexico to impose an absolute ban on the commercialization, import and sale of vapes from Jan. 16, 2026
Mexico to impose an absolute ban on the commercialization, import and sale of vapes from Jan. 16, 2026
Mexico will enforce an absolute ban on the commercialization, import and sale of vapes and e-cigarettes from January 16, 2026, under a reform published in the Official Journal of the Federation (DOF) amending the General Health Law.
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BBC survey: over half of secondary teachers in England say vaping is a problem at their school
BBC survey: over half of secondary teachers in England say vaping is a problem at their school
Granville Academy in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, has joined a county pilot overseen by Derbyshire County Council that puts pupils in charge of reducing vaping in school. After reports of pupils stealing vapes, vaping in toilets and using them while walking home, the school found detentions were not effective and shifted to peer-led education sessions, assemblies and health-warning signage.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea’s appeal court again sides with KT&G, Philip Morris Korea and BAT Korea in $36.24 million case
South Korea’s appeal court again sides with KT&G, Philip Morris Korea and BAT Korea in $36.24 million case
South Korea’s National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) has again lost on appeal in its damages lawsuit against KT&G, Philip Morris Korea and BAT Korea, seeking ₩53.3 billion (about $36.244 million).
Jan.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea’s Seoul Gangnam District Installs “Separated Smoking Booths” , Splitting Cigarettes and Vapes
South Korea’s Seoul Gangnam District Installs “Separated Smoking Booths” , Splitting Cigarettes and Vapes
Seoul's Gangnam district introduces smoking booths on Tehran Road to combat public smoking and secondhand smoke issues.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Croatian decree raises excise duties on tobacco products effective January 1, 2026
Croatian decree raises excise duties on tobacco products effective January 1, 2026
Croatian government decree provides that higher excise duties on tobacco manufactures and tobacco products take effect from January 1, 2026. Excise on e-liquid is set at €0.25 per millilitre, on heated tobacco products at €211.30 per kilogram, and on a new tobacco product at €126.90 per kilogram. The decree’s explanation says 2026 budget revenue from these excises is expected to increase by €129.1 million.
Jan.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai