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

Australia’s Daily Smoking Rate Falls to Record Low of 5.8% as Nicotine Use Patterns Shift

Australia’s Daily Smoking Rate Falls to Record Low of 5.8% as Nicotine Use Patterns Shift

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s National Drug Strategy Household Survey, daily smoking among Australians aged 18 and over fell to a record low of 5.8% in 2025. Health Minister Mark Butler said Australia now has around 500,000 fewer daily smokers than three years ago and credited the government’s vaping reforms as part of broader progress. Among people aged 14 and over, daily smoking declined from 8.3% in 2022-23 to 5.6% in 2025. Daily vaping rates stabilised at 3.6%, while the government also moved to further restrict access to nicotine pouches through unapproved therapeutic import pathways.

JT Plans ¥800 Billion Investment in Heated Tobacco Over Three Years, Betting on Ploom as Second Growth Engine

JT Plans ¥800 Billion Investment in Heated Tobacco Over Three Years, Betting on Ploom as Second Growth Engine

Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) CEO Takehiko Tsutsui said the company plans to invest about ¥800 billion (approximately US$5.4 billion) in heated tobacco products over three years through 2028, aiming to establish Ploom as a second growth engine after combustible cigarettes. Tsutsui said Ploom AURA helped JT increase its share of Japan’s heated tobacco market to 15.8% in the first quarter of 2026. Ploom products are now available in 29 markets, with Ploom AURA sold in 25 markets including Japan. JT also plans to continue its cigarette business while positioning its food operations, particularly frozen noodle products in North America, as another growth opportunity.

Nicotine Pouches Gain Ground in U.S. Convenience Stores as Vape Unit Sales Fall 14%

Nicotine Pouches Gain Ground in U.S. Convenience Stores as Vape Unit Sales Fall 14%

According to convenience retail publication CStore Decisions, U.S. convenience store tobacco categories are undergoing a structural shift. Based on Circana OmniMarket Total U.S. Convenience data for the 52 weeks ending June 14, 2026, cigarettes remained the largest category with $50.8 billion in sales, but unit sales declined 5.3%. Electronic smoking devices and vaping products also declined, while modern oral nicotine products continued to grow, with nicotine pouch sales rising 29% in dollars and 17% in units. Retailers said changing consumer preferences are reshaping tobacco product assortments at convenience stores.

China Tobacco Regulator Deputy Head Visits Laos as Both Sides Strengthen Cooperation on Illegal Tobacco Trade

China Tobacco Regulator Deputy Head Visits Laos as Both Sides Strengthen Cooperation on Illegal Tobacco Trade

China’s official Xinhua News Agency reported that Liu Sanjiang, deputy head and Party group member of China’s tobacco regulator, led a delegation to Laos from July 31 to Aug. 2, 2026, for discussions with Lao authorities on combating cross-border illegal tobacco trade. The two sides discussed areas including law enforcement cooperation, information sharing and efforts to address tobacco-related illegal activities such as counterfeiting and smuggling. The visit highlights cooperation between Chinese and Lao authorities on illicit tobacco control.

AIR Invests $20 Million in Greentank, Deepening Capital Ties Across the Vape Supply Chain

AIR Invests $20 Million in Greentank, Deepening Capital Ties Across the Vape Supply Chain

Nasdaq-listed AIR Global has invested $20 million in preferred shares of Canadian vaporization technology company Greentank, deepening a partnership established in 2023. AIR gains a board nomination right, access to new technologies, enhanced commercial terms and long-term supply assurances, while retaining an option to increase its stake. Greentank’s Quantum Chip platform powers Crown Switch and forms part of AIR’s planned U.S. PMTA dossier, linking capital investment more closely with product technology, regulatory evidence and supply-chain control.

Kaival Brands Explores Nicotine Pouches as Smaller Nicotine Companies Seek Smoke-Free Growth

Kaival Brands Explores Nicotine Pouches as Smaller Nicotine Companies Seek Smoke-Free Growth

U.S. nicotine company Kaival Brands Innovations Group is exploring opportunities in nicotine pouches and other modern nicotine products, reflecting a broader shift among smaller nicotine businesses beyond traditional vaping products.

Related Topics

News Regulation

Related Read

Australia’s Daily Smoking Rate Falls to Record Low of 5.8% as Nicotine Use Patterns Shift

Australia’s Daily Smoking Rate Falls to Record Low of 5.8% as Nicotine Use Patterns Shift

JT Plans ¥800 Billion Investment in Heated Tobacco Over Three Years, Betting on Ploom as Second Growth Engine

JT Plans ¥800 Billion Investment in Heated Tobacco Over Three Years, Betting on Ploom as Second Growth Engine

Nicotine Pouches Gain Ground in U.S. Convenience Stores as Vape Unit Sales Fall 14%

Nicotine Pouches Gain Ground in U.S. Convenience Stores as Vape Unit Sales Fall 14%

China Tobacco Regulator Deputy Head Visits Laos as Both Sides Strengthen Cooperation on Illegal Tobacco Trade

China Tobacco Regulator Deputy Head Visits Laos as Both Sides Strengthen Cooperation on Illegal Tobacco Trade

AIR Invests $20 Million in Greentank, Deepening Capital Ties Across the Vape Supply Chain

AIR Invests $20 Million in Greentank, Deepening Capital Ties Across the Vape Supply Chain

Kaival Brands Explores Nicotine Pouches as Smaller Nicotine Companies Seek Smoke-Free Growth

Kaival Brands Explores Nicotine Pouches as Smaller Nicotine Companies Seek Smoke-Free Growth