Major Breakthrough: Police Bust Massive Counterfeit E-Cigarette Case in Hefei

Dec.12.2024
Major Breakthrough: Police Bust Massive Counterfeit E-Cigarette Case in Hefei
An illegal e-cigarette production ring was busted in Hefei, Anhui province, resulting in 12 arrests and seizure of 20,000 boxes.

On December 11th, according to a report from China News Service, the Criminal Investigation Brigade of the High-Tech Sub-bureau of the Public Security Bureau in Hefei City, Anhui Province recently successfully cracked a major case of counterfeit e-cigarettes, arresting 12 suspects, dismantling 1 production site, 3 storage sites, and seizing over 20,000 boxes of counterfeit e-cigarettes at the scene.


In early November 2024, the Hefei High-Tech Public Security Bureau received a tip-off that someone was selling counterfeit e-cigarettes online, with a significant amount of money involved in the case. In order to evade detection, the suspects took various measures to avoid investigation by the authorities, choosing remote suburban rental houses as assembly points. They also used logistics and express delivery services to transport the counterfeit e-cigarettes, ensuring that they did not personally handle the transportation themselves.


According to Officer Meng, the police officer in charge of the case, the counterfeit e-cigarette packaging is trendy and stylish, with low prices that are highly attractive to young people. However, these products have concerning quality issues and serious safety hazards, and do not meet mandatory national standards. The individuals involved in the case do not have the necessary tobacco sales licenses. Currently, the case is still under further investigation.


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

Smoore: Profit Growth Gradually Improving, Fourth Quarter Shows Promise — A 2Firsts Reader Submission
Smoore: Profit Growth Gradually Improving, Fourth Quarter Shows Promise — A 2Firsts Reader Submission
Smoore released its financial results for the third quarter of 2025.A reader submitted to 2Firsts, noting that Smoore’s declining profit margin was mainly due to the substantial upfront investment in its new heated tobacco products, the relatively low margins of vaping devices, and price reductions resulting from product iterations in the European atomization market.as product structure adjustments near completion, the company’s profit growth is expected to further rebound in the fourth quart.
Oct.13
South Korea to ban vape vending machines near schools from February 15, 2026
South Korea to ban vape vending machines near schools from February 15, 2026
Starting from February 15, 2026, South Korea bans e-cigarette vending machines within 200m of schools to protect youth from nicotine products.
Oct.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
ZYN Nicotine Pouches Seek MRTP Authorization; FDA Sets January Meeting
ZYN Nicotine Pouches Seek MRTP Authorization; FDA Sets January Meeting
The U.S. FDA has scheduled a Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) meeting for January 22, 2026, to review Swedish Match USA’s Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) applications for 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products. Although the products gained PMTA authorization in early 2025, MRTP approval is required for marketing them with reduced-risk claims.
Nov.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Geek Bar Launches New Pulse Models in the U.S.: Thermochromic Design, Core Specs Intact
Geek Bar Launches New Pulse Models in the U.S.: Thermochromic Design, Core Specs Intact
U.S. vape retailer VapeSourcing has listed GEEKBAR Pulse 15K/25K Thermal Edition products, currently marked “Coming Soon.” Both models retain the core Pulse-series configuration but adopt a thermochromic, color-changing shell; the Pulse 15K is flagged as GEEKBAR’s first device to use this finish.
Nov.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Company TPB Q3 Earnings: Nicotine Pouch Sales Surge 628% YoY, First U.S. Production Line Planned
U.S. Company TPB Q3 Earnings: Nicotine Pouch Sales Surge 628% YoY, First U.S. Production Line Planned
Turning Point Brands (NYSE: TPB) released its financial results for the third quarter of 2025, reporting strong revenue and profit growth driven by surging Modern Oral (nicotine pouch) sales. The company announced plans to establish its first U.S.-based white pouch production line in 2026, marking a key step toward manufacturing localization.
Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength
2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength
British American Tobacco (BAT) introduced the VELO Shift nicotine pouch in September 2025, featuring a hexagonal outer can and an oval-triangle pouch shape that departs from traditional designs. Two months after launch, the product is available in the U.K., U.S. and Sweden. Social-media feedback indicates the design has been well received, while some users are calling for higher nicotine strength.
Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai