Police Raid Four Shops in Leyland, Seize Illegal Tobacco

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

Nov.17.2023

Police Raid Four Shops in Leyland, Seize Illegal Tobacco

Lancashire Telegraph reports that Leyland police conducted raids on four local stores, seizing £50k worth of illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes in Operation Centurion.

According to a report by the British media outlet, Lancashire Telegraph, on November 16th, the Leyland police in the UK conducted surprise searches at four local stores based on public tips, as part of "Operation Centurion." As a result of the operation, illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes valued at nearly £50,000 (approximately $62,000) were seized.

According to Mike Moys, the captain of Leyland South Ribble Community Police Team, the team is committed to enhancing the sense of safety and the living and working environment in the community and will work closely with the community.

References:

[1] Almost £50,000 in illegal cigarettes and vapes seized by police

Also Read:

[1] Economist: UK E-cigarettes is Huge Business but Indicates Strengthened Regulation

#Illegal e-cigarettes #E-cigarette shops

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

China Tobacco Regulation Shift：Policy Updates and Market Impact

China Tobacco Regulation Shift：Policy Updates and Market Impact

Wall Street Journal: U.S. FDA Plans Faster Vape and Nicotine Pouch Reviews, Revisit of 2021 PMTA Rule

Wall Street Journal: U.S. FDA Plans Faster Vape and Nicotine Pouch Reviews, Revisit of 2021 PMTA Rule

The Trump administration is preparing changes intended to accelerate FDA market authorization reviews for e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, according to The Wall Street Journal. The FDA is expected to revisit its 2021 PMTA rule and may simplify some scientific study requirements and shorten review times. The agency has not formally announced the changes. Over the past year, the FDA has already accelerated nicotine-pouch reviews, expanded ENDS authorizations and upgraded its CTP Portal NextGen application system. As of August 2026, 43 nicotine pouch products and 48 e-cigarette products had received FDA marketing authorization.

Philip Morris Malaysia Again Meets Religious Authority Over Cigarette Alternatives as Perlis Mufti Responds on Halal Criteria

Philip Morris Malaysia Again Meets Religious Authority Over Cigarette Alternatives as Perlis Mufti Responds on Halal Criteria

Philip Morris Malaysia Managing Director Naeem Shahab Khan met Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin on September 17 and presented the company's shift from conventional cigarettes toward alternative products. The mufti said a product could be considered halal if it is clean, its side effects are not harmful or can be controlled, and it does not involve excessive waste. His remarks did not mention IQOS or any other specific PMI product and did not amount to a new product-specific religious ruling. It was at least the second publicly reported engagement between Philip Morris Malaysia and a Malaysian religious institution over cigarette alternatives within six months.

Sep.18 by 2Firsts Perspectives

Germany's Four-Year Tobacco Tax Plan Heads to Parliament as BAT, JTI and PMI Push for Changes

Germany's Four-Year Tobacco Tax Plan Heads to Parliament as BAT, JTI and PMI Push for Changes

Germany's parliament is scheduled to hold a first reading of amendments to the Tobacco Tax Act on September 24. The government plans annual tax increases from 2027 through 2030 covering cigarettes, heated tobacco, vaping liquids and other categories. It expects the reform to generate €756 million in additional revenue in 2027, rising to €3.589 billion in additional annual revenue by 2030. Ahead of the parliamentary debate, the German Association of the Tobacco Industry and Novel Products, or BVTE, launched the "Tabaksteuer mit Augenmaß" campaign backed by BAT, JTI, Philip Morris, Reemtsma and wholesale and retail groups.

RLX Technology Dropped From FTSE All-World as International Business Reaches 68.5% of Q2 Revenue

RLX Technology Dropped From FTSE All-World as International Business Reaches 68.5% of Q2 Revenue

RLX Technology (NYSE: RLX) has been removed from the FTSE All-World Index, effective September 21. FTSE Russell records show RLX was already part of its global equity index universe by 2022, when its American depositary receipts were classified as China Large Cap securities. Trading volume rose to about 44.77 million shares on September 18, roughly 23 times the previous session's volume. RLX reported RMB1.0105 billion in second-quarter revenue, up 14.8% year over year, with international operations contributing 68.5%. The company also acquired a 51% stake in one of Western Europe's largest distributors of next-generation smoke-free and FMCG products in July.

Italy Proposes Earlier Vape and HTP Tax Hikes, New Rules for E-Liquid Pricing, Exclusive Deals and Distribution

Italy Proposes Earlier Vape and HTP Tax Hikes, New Rules for E-Liquid Pricing, Exclusive Deals and Distribution

Italy's proposed 2027–2029 budget would bring forward scheduled tax increases for e-cigarette liquids and heated tobacco products from January 1, 2028, to July 1, 2027. The consumption tax coefficient for nicotine-containing e-liquids would rise from 20% to 22%, that for nicotine-free liquids and applicable flavorings from 15% to 17%, and the heated-tobacco coefficient from 41% to 42%. The bill would also introduce official retail price schedules for e-liquids, restrict exclusive agreements between retailers and suppliers, and limit single-brand-dominated displays, sales incentives and bundled offers. Importing, authorized warehousing and retailer sourcing arrangements would also change. The proposals remain subject to parliamentary approval and subsequent implementing regulations.

Australia’s Victoria Steps Up Illegal Tobacco Enforcement With Store Closures and Penalties of Up to A$2.5 Million

Australia’s Victoria Steps Up Illegal Tobacco Enforcement With Store Closures and Penalties of Up to A$2.5 Million

Australia’s state of Victoria has activated new powers allowing Tobacco Licensing Victoria and police to shut premises suspected of selling, supplying or possessing illicit tobacco for up to 90 days. Longer closures can be ordered by a magistrates’ court. Businesses subject to closure orders must generally cease all trading and will be placed on a public list. Breaching a closure order can carry penalties of up to A$2.5 million and 20 years in prison.

Related Topics

News Regulation

Related Read

Wall Street Journal: U.S. FDA Plans Faster Vape and Nicotine Pouch Reviews, Revisit of 2021 PMTA Rule

Wall Street Journal: U.S. FDA Plans Faster Vape and Nicotine Pouch Reviews, Revisit of 2021 PMTA Rule

Philip Morris Malaysia Again Meets Religious Authority Over Cigarette Alternatives as Perlis Mufti Responds on Halal Criteria

Philip Morris Malaysia Again Meets Religious Authority Over Cigarette Alternatives as Perlis Mufti Responds on Halal Criteria

2Firsts Perspectives

Germany's Four-Year Tobacco Tax Plan Heads to Parliament as BAT, JTI and PMI Push for Changes

Germany's Four-Year Tobacco Tax Plan Heads to Parliament as BAT, JTI and PMI Push for Changes

RLX Technology Dropped From FTSE All-World as International Business Reaches 68.5% of Q2 Revenue

RLX Technology Dropped From FTSE All-World as International Business Reaches 68.5% of Q2 Revenue

Italy Proposes Earlier Vape and HTP Tax Hikes, New Rules for E-Liquid Pricing, Exclusive Deals and Distribution

Italy Proposes Earlier Vape and HTP Tax Hikes, New Rules for E-Liquid Pricing, Exclusive Deals and Distribution

Australia’s Victoria Steps Up Illegal Tobacco Enforcement With Store Closures and Penalties of Up to A$2.5 Million

Australia’s Victoria Steps Up Illegal Tobacco Enforcement With Store Closures and Penalties of Up to A$2.5 Million