Tobacco and E-cigarette Bust in Queensland, Australia.

Feb.21.2023
Queensland police seized $500k worth of illegal e-cigarettes and tobacco, leading to charges and court appearances. Part of Kitimat operation.

Queensland Police in Australia have seized illegal electronic cigarettes and tobacco worth AUD 500,000 (CNY 2.36 million).


It is reported that law enforcement officials confiscated 100 kilograms of illegal tobacco, thousands of electronic cigarettes, and $80,000 in cash during the execution of a search warrant. Two individuals were charged and appeared in court. They are scheduled to appear in the McDowell County Court again on March 13th.


As part of the Kitimat operation, arrest warrants and arrests were made in connection to a probe investigating sales of electronic cigarettes and tobacco products to minors. An investigation revealed that the peak time for illegal transactions occurred before 9 a.m. and after 3 p.m.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis to hold public hearings on e-cigarette use in the 2026 spring session
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis to hold public hearings on e-cigarette use in the 2026 spring session
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis will hold public hearings regarding the use of e-cigarettes. The topic has been included in the 2026 spring session work plan of the Milli Majlis Committee on Agrarian Policy. During the spring session, the committee plans to convene a public hearing titled “Health is our goal: an end to e-cigarettes.”
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Illegal Disposable Vapes Still Sold in Nottingham Six Months After UK Ban: LBC Investigation
Illegal Disposable Vapes Still Sold in Nottingham Six Months After UK Ban: LBC Investigation
According to LBC, a follow-up investigation in Nottingham found that four out of 14 shops visited still sold illegal disposable vapes, six months after the UK Government’s ban took effect. Although fewer retailers appeared to be offering banned products compared with an earlier visit, illegal vapes remain available despite ongoing enforcement efforts.
Dec.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
NZ Government Eyes Sale of Smokeless Tobacco; Critics Warn of “Backslide”
NZ Government Eyes Sale of Smokeless Tobacco; Critics Warn of “Backslide”
Associate Health Minister Casey Costello faced renewed scrutiny in Parliament’s health select committee over her handling of tobacco-related policy and alleged ties to the tobacco industry. The government is considering allowing smokeless nicotine products such as snus and nicotine pouches, provided they meet safety and youth-access regulations.
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mexican Senate Approves Nationwide Ban on E-Cigarettes and Vapes
Mexican Senate Approves Nationwide Ban on E-Cigarettes and Vapes
Mexico’s Senate passed a reform to the General Health Law banning the production, importation, sale, and advertising of e-cigarettes and vape products nationwide. The bill passed with 76 votes in favor, 37 against, and one abstention.
Dec.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco and Japanese Artist VERDY Team Up Again for Limited-Edition Ploom AURA Collaboration Set
Japan Tobacco and Japanese Artist VERDY Team Up Again for Limited-Edition Ploom AURA Collaboration Set
Japanese artist VERDY has renewed his collaboration with Japan Tobacco’s heated tobacco brand Ploom to launch a limited-edition “Ploom AURA × Wasted Youth” set in December 2025, which will be sold via a one-day pop-up store in Tokyo’s Harajuku district through a lottery system, with part of the lineup also available in limited quantities on Ploom’s online platform.
Dec.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Altria CEO Billy Gifford to Retire; Sal Mancuso Named Successor
Altria CEO Billy Gifford to Retire; Sal Mancuso Named Successor
Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) announced that CEO Billy Gifford will retire at the conclusion of the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 14, 2026, after more than 30 years with the company. The Board of Directors has elected Salvatore (Sal) Mancuso, Altria’s current Executive Vice President and CFO, to succeed him as CEO.
Dec.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai