Shenzhen Police Uncover Counterfeit ALIBARBAR Vape Case Worth Tens of Millions

Nov.18.2024
Shenzhen Police Uncover Counterfeit ALIBARBAR Vape Case Worth Tens of Millions
Shenzhen police, in collaboration with the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, successfully cracked a major case involving counterfeit ALIBARBAR vapes.

Statement:

On November 22, 2Firsts received a letter from Shenzhen Xiyue Intelligent Technology Manufacturing Co., Ltd. The letter stated that the products shown in the original and counterfeit comparison images in the article "ALIBARBAR Counterfeit Case," first published on sznews were not produced by the company. However, the vape production license number displayed in the images belongs to the company and is suspected of being misappropriated.

 

Since sznews has removed the images, 2Firsts has also deleted them. This statement is issued for clarification.


Shenzhen police and the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration seized tens of thousands of counterfeit ALIBARBAR vapes worth millions, cracking a major case and targeting illegal counterfeit sales, sznews reported on November 15.

 

Shenzhen Police Uncover Counterfeit ALIBARBAR Vape Case Worth Tens of Millions
Crime scene | Image source: sznews

 

Law enforcement in Shenzhen conducted simultaneous raids across multiple locations in one district, shutting down three counterfeit vape production and sales operations. The raids resulted in the seizure of tens of thousands of fake ALIBARBAR vapes, along with manufacturing equipment, raw materials, and packaging materials.

 

Shenzhen Police Uncover Counterfeit ALIBARBAR Vape Case Worth Tens of Millions
Scene of the crime | Image source: sznews

 

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crimes of producing and selling counterfeit vapes. They admitted to manufacturing large quantities of fake vapes for high profits and distributing them to overseas markets. The case is currently under further investigation.

 

Shenzhen Police Uncover Counterfeit ALIBARBAR Vape Case Worth Tens of Millions
Crime scene | Image source: sznews

 

Shenzhen police announced their commitment to cracking down on counterfeit production and sales, working closely with the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration and other authorities to protect consumer rights. 

 

They also advised consumers to buy vape products only from official channels, warning that using counterfeit products could lead to serious health risks.

IQOS Global Flagship Space to Open in Tokyo Ginza as PMI Expands Consumer Experience Strategy
IQOS Global Flagship Space to Open in Tokyo Ginza as PMI Expands Consumer Experience Strategy
Philip Morris Japan (PMJ) announced that it will open “IQOS Flagship Ginza” in Tokyo on September 4, 2026. The location will become the first global flagship space for PMI’s IQOS brand. PMJ said the venue will target adult smokers aged 20 and above and combine product experiences, community engagement and local cultural elements. The design will incorporate Japanese natural aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship. The launch reflects PMI’s broader strategy of strengthening consumer engagement through experiential retail and brand spaces. The existing IQOS Store Ginza is scheduled to close on August 30, 2026.
Jul.21
China’s Shanghai Tobacco Group Launches CNY 10.98 Million (Approximately US$1.53 Million) Procurement for Heated Tobacco Production Utility Equipment
China’s Shanghai Tobacco Group Launches CNY 10.98 Million (Approximately US$1.53 Million) Procurement for Heated Tobacco Production Utility Equipment
Shanghai Tobacco Group Co., Ltd., a tobacco manufacturing company under China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC), has launched a public tender for heated tobacco products (HTPs) production utility equipment at its Shanghai Cigarette Factory. The project is valued at CNY 10.98 million and covers six combined air-conditioning units, electrical cabinets and control systems for production facilities. The procurement includes equipment design, supply, installation, commissioning and related training services.
Aug.07
FDA Grants MRTP Orders for 20 ZYN Nicotine Pouches
FDA Grants MRTP Orders for 20 ZYN Nicotine Pouches
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued modified risk granted orders to Swedish Match USA for 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products, allowing the already-authorized products to be marketed with a specific claim that using ZYN instead of cigarettes lowers the risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Jul.01
France Vape Market 2026: Use Reaches 7.9% Amid Tax, Regulatory and Scientific Debate
France Vape Market 2026: Use Reaches 7.9% Amid Tax, Regulatory and Scientific Debate
France remains one of Europe’s active vape markets in 2026, with adult vaping prevalence rising to 7.9%; at the same time, e-liquid taxation, public-space restrictions, advertising compliance and health-risk debate are pushing the industry into a critical policy period.
Jun.23
WIRED Investigation: Chinese-Made Vapes Turn to 6-Methyl-Nicotine and Other Analogs, Challenging U.S. Regulation
WIRED Investigation: Chinese-Made Vapes Turn to 6-Methyl-Nicotine and Other Analogs, Challenging U.S. Regulation
U.S. technology and investigative publication WIRED has examined how nicotine analogs are emerging as a new challenge for the country’s vape regulatory framework. The article argues that after the U.S. expanded federal oversight of nicotine products in 2022, some manufacturers began using nicotine-like compounds such as 6-methyl-nicotine that may fall outside existing definitions. Researchers cited by WIRED said some nicotine analogs could be more potent than traditional nicotine, although human health impacts remain unclear. U.S. policymakers are considering broader definitions of nicotine to bring these compounds under federal oversight.
Jul.27
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.
Jul.23