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.

From Nicotine Salts to Cocrystals: China’s Shenzhen Huabao institute explores a more stable form for sustained nicotine release
From Nicotine Salts to Cocrystals: China’s Shenzhen Huabao institute explores a more stable form for sustained nicotine release
China-based Shenzhen Huabao Collaborative Innovation Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd. has filed a patent application for a nicotine-ascorbic acid cocrystal, exploring a new solid-state form of nicotine. The patent proposes applications across e-liquids, heated tobacco sticks, oral tobacco, chewing tobacco and snuff. In nicotine pouch tests disclosed in the filing, cocrystal formulations showed less than a 6% decline in nicotine content after three months of accelerated storage and a release profile combining early-stage release with sustained delivery over 60 minutes. The filing reflects exploration of nicotine forms beyond conventional nicotine base and nicotine salts.
Aug.13
Senate Democrat Wyden Probes Trump Administration Vape Policy Shift, Seeks Records From HHS and Reynolds American
Senate Democrat Wyden Probes Trump Administration Vape Policy Shift, Seeks Records From HHS and Reynolds American
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, the Democratic ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, has launched an investigation into flavored vape policy changes and requested records from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Reynolds American and Botanic Tonics. The investigation focuses on a timeline involving Reynolds American’s $5 million donation to MAGA Inc. in April 2026 and subsequent vape policy developments. Wyden said the review aims to examine potential links between political donations, corporate communications and government decisions. The investigation does not represent a finding of wrongdoing.
Innovation
Aug.07 by 2Firsts Perspectives
China Tobacco Hubei explores staged nicotine pouch delivery, using dynamic membranes to slow early release and gradient particles to sustain later delivery
China Tobacco Hubei explores staged nicotine pouch delivery, using dynamic membranes to slow early release and gradient particles to sustain later delivery
China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd. disclosed several oral nicotine-related patent applications in August 2026, including two that approach staged nicotine release from different directions. One uses a high-viscosity membrane that forms inside the pouch after contact with saliva to slow rapid early release, while the other uses gradient particles with a faster-disintegrating outer layer and a slower core to create a fast-to-sustained release profile. Together, the filings explore how nicotine pouches could balance initial delivery with release later in use.
Sep.03
Illegal Vape Sellers Still Use TikTok and Other Platforms to Drive Sales Despite Australia’s Ad Ban
Illegal Vape Sellers Still Use TikTok and Other Platforms to Drive Sales Despite Australia’s Ad Ban
Illegal vape sellers are still promoting nicotine products on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube despite Australia’s 2024 advertising ban, while illicit tobacco sales are increasingly moving from physical stores to online marketplaces.
Jul.15
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Changes Reshape Consumer Choices, Survey Reveals Impact of Price and Income
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Changes Reshape Consumer Choices, Survey Reveals Impact of Price and Income
A consumer survey by Japanese heated tobacco information platform RELAZO found that rising tobacco prices and planned heated tobacco tax changes may influence smoking decisions among Japanese consumers. The survey covered 49,879 men and women aged 20 to 69 nationwide. It found that around 40% of respondents cumulatively indicated they may consider quitting when a pack reaches ¥600 (approximately US$4.1), while nearly 90% expressed potential quitting intentions at a ¥1,000 (approximately US$6.8) price level. The survey also found significant differences by income level, with lower-income respondents showing greater sensitivity to price increases.
Jul.24
Former FDA Scientist Questions ZYN Review Over Pouch Material and Microplastic Risk
Former FDA Scientist Questions ZYN Review Over Pouch Material and Microplastic Risk
A former FDA toxicologist has questioned whether the agency fully assessed the material used in ZYN nicotine pouches before authorizing them for sale, raising concerns over possible microplastic exposure, according to STAT and The Examination.
Jul.16