Spanish Authorities Crack Down on Illicit E-Cigarette Smuggling Operation

Feb.24

Spanish authorities crack down on smuggling operation in Xàbia, Alicante province, seizing over 55,000 illicit e-cigarette products.

According to a report from Lamarinaalta on February 22, the Spanish Civil Guard, in conjunction with the local police in Xàbia, Alicante, conducted an operation to crack down on smuggling. The investigation began after a tip-off that a shop in Xàbia was selling e-cigarettes and nicotine products to minors.

Law enforcement officers seized a total of 21,813 prohibited products in a law enforcement operation on November 29, including e-cigarettes and e-cigarette liquids. These goods are suspected to have been smuggled from the UK, China, and the US, and were not registered importers in Spain or the EU, nor did they have the necessary Spanish labels attached.

Subsequently, law enforcement officers seized 34,008 smuggled goods during the inspection on December 16, 2024, including e-cigarettes, e-cigarette liquid, and nicotine patches, all of which had the same violations as previously discovered.

In the end, after cross-referencing multiple sources of information and verifying evidence, law enforcement officers arrested the individuals responsible on February 14, 2025. The suspect will be prosecuted for smuggling as the total value of the goods exceeded 150,000 euros.

References:

[1] Vape smuggling network dismantled in Xàbia and Teulada-Moraira: more than 55.000 products seized

Also Read:

[1] Spanish Police Seize Thousands of Illegal E-cigarettes in Canary Islands

[2] Spain to Impose New Taxes on E-liquid Starting 2025

[3] Spain Sees Significant Decline in Tobacco Consumption: Euro Weekly News

[4] Spain's Health Ministry Proposes Labeling and Sales Rules for Nicotine Pouches

[5] Spain's Senate Passes Motion Urging Government to Develop Specific E-Cigarette Regulations

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