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.

Irish Vape Group Urges Full Scrutiny of Single-Use Vape Bill
Irish Vape Group Urges Full Scrutiny of Single-Use Vape Bill
Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI) has urged TDs to fully scrutinise the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025 as it comes before the Dáil for debate. Representing more than 3,300 independent vape retailers, RVI stressed that meaningful consultation with retailers and enforcement authorities is essential to ensure the ban meets its public health and environmental goals without unintended consequences.
Dec.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea’s National Assembly Passes Law Classifying E-Cigarettes as Tobacco Products with Full Equivalent Regulation
South Korea’s National Assembly Passes Law Classifying E-Cigarettes as Tobacco Products with Full Equivalent Regulation
South Korea’s National Assembly recently passed a comprehensive package of 79 bills that, among other measures, formally classifies liquid vapes — e-cigarette products using nicotine-containing e-liquids — as tobacco products. These products will now be subject to the same taxation, sales restrictions and advertising controls as traditional cigarettes, and the vaping industry in South Korea is expected to face significant adjustments in compliance costs, market access and business strategy.
Dec.03
U.S. Lawmakers Seek to Empower HHS to Destroy Counterfeit Chinese Tobacco Products
U.S. Lawmakers Seek to Empower HHS to Destroy Counterfeit Chinese Tobacco Products
Bipartisan members of the U.S. Congress have introduced the “Ensuring the Necessary Destruction of Illicit Chinese Tobacco Act” (END Act), seeking to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to directly destroy adulterated, misbranded, or counterfeit imported tobacco products.Major tobacco companies, including Altria, along with several public health organizations, have announced their support for the bill.
Nov.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI Launches New ZYN Nicotine Pouch in the Philippines, Available Simultaneously at IQOS Stores and on the Official Website
PMI Launches New ZYN Nicotine Pouch in the Philippines, Available Simultaneously at IQOS Stores and on the Official Website
PMI’s Philippine affiliate, PMFTC, has launched the new ZYN Bright Green 1.5 mg nicotine pouch in Manila with refreshed packaging, calling it the latest step in the company’s “smoke-free” transition initiated in 2016. The product will be available starting in November at IQOS stores across Metro Manila and on the official website.
Nov.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kazakhstan Denies Rumors of Easing Hookah and Vape Restrictions: Deputy Interior Minister Reaffirms “Zero Tolerance” for Vapes
Kazakhstan Denies Rumors of Easing Hookah and Vape Restrictions: Deputy Interior Minister Reaffirms “Zero Tolerance” for Vapes
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Interior Minister Sanzhar Adilov (Санжар Адилов) addressed social media rumors that the government may ease restrictions on hookahs and vapes. He confirmed that hookah regulations are under interagency review, but the strict ban on vapes remains unchanged and has recently been reinforced with criminal liability.
Nov.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Denmark Proposes Sharper Tax Hike: Heated Tobacco Up 132%, Nicotine Pouches Facing 1,000% Increase
Denmark Proposes Sharper Tax Hike: Heated Tobacco Up 132%, Nicotine Pouches Facing 1,000% Increase
According to foreign media, the European Union will examine a strengthened Danish proposal to amend the Tobacco Excise Directive. The plan introduces sharper tax increases on heated tobacco, nicotine pouches and other products. Despite overwhelming public opposition in earlier consultations, the revision continues to move forward, raising concerns about supply chain impacts and potential growth in illicit trade.
Dec.04