Russia’s FSB Seizes Illegal Vape Warehouse Worth USD 6 Million

Nov.06

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) in the Tula Region dismantled an underground warehouse containing counterfeit vape products worth over 500 million rubles (approximately USD 6 million). A 27-year-old suspect was detained and faces up to 12 years in prison.

Key Points:

FSB officers in Tula seized counterfeit vapes and nicotine liquids valued at over 500 million rubles (≈ USD 6 million).
The suspect, a 27-year-old local man, allegedly organized the sale of unmarked nicotine products.
Experts from Rosalkogoltabakkontrol and Operator-CRPT confirmed the goods violated national standards.
A criminal case was opened under Article 171.1(6) of the Russian Criminal Code (“Large-scale sale of unmarked goods”).
The investigation continues to trace supply sources and distribution channels.

2Firsts, Nov. 6, 2025 — According to Russian media, the Federal Security Service (FSB) in the Tula Region has dismantled an underground warehouse storing counterfeit nicotine products valued at more than 500 million rubles (approximately USD 6 million).

Authorities stated that a 27-year-old local resident organized the illegal sale of e-cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine liquids without mandatory excise markings.

During the operation, officers seized large quantities of counterfeit products. Experts from Rosalkogoltabakkontrol and the company Operator-CRPT confirmed that the confiscated goods failed to meet national standards and were in illegal circulation.

A criminal case was opened under Part 6 of Article 171.1 of the Russian Criminal Code (“Acquisition and storage of unmarked products for sale on a large scale”). The suspect faces up to 12 years in prison.

The investigation is ongoing as law enforcement seeks to identify the sources and distribution channels of the illegal vape trade.

Source: E1.RU

References:

[1] В Тульской области ликвидировали подпольный склад с контрафактными вейпами на 500 миллионов рублей

Also Read:

[1] Russian Duma Committee Moves to Embed Local Vape Prohibitions

[2] Russian police seize counterfeit e-cigarettes and tobacco products in Novosibirsk,products valued at about 1.3 million rubles

[3] Tyumen Regional Parliament in Russia Reviewing Bill to Impose Total Ban on E-Cigarette Sales

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

Al Fakher Parent Company Plans U.S. Listing in 2026 at $1.75 Billion Valuation

According to Bloomberg, Dubai-based hookah brand owner Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR) plans to go public on Nasdaq in the first half of 2026 through a merger with a Cantor Fitzgerald-backed SPAC. The deal values the combined company at USD 1.75 billion under the ticker “AIIR.”

Nov.11

Product | 2Firsts Exclusive: Breaking Down Pachamama 25K, CHUC’s First U.S.-Made Factory Product

U.S. e-cigarette company Charlie’s has brought its first domestic manufacturing facility online, launching the disposable Pachamama 25K, which will initially roll out to 300 retail stores in Texas. The device features a 20 ml e-liquid capacity with 5% nicotine, three power modes and a built-in 1000 mAh battery, and is advertised to deliver up to 25,000 puffs.

Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai

BAT Japan to raise prices of glo heated-tobacco sticks by about 4%–5%

BAT Japan said it will raise retail prices by ¥20 (about $0.13) per pack for 16 glo heated-tobacco stick brands—11 Lucky Strike and five Kent—effective January 1, 2026. The company will also lift prices for 12 VELO nicotine pouch brands by ¥20–¥40 per pack from December 1, 2025.

Oct.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai

South Australia Issues Closure Orders to 100 Stores over Illicit Tobacco and Vapes

South Australia has imposed 28-day closure orders on 100 stores caught selling illicit tobacco and vapes since new ministerial powers took effect on 5 June. The State Government has seized about $50 million worth of illegal products, including over 41 million cigarettes, 140,000 vapes and 13,585 kilograms of loose tobacco. Two long-term closure orders have been issued and five more are before the Magistrates Court, supported by a $16 million illicit tobacco taskforce and tough new penalties.