Ukrainian Border Guards Bust Illegal E-Cigarette Smuggling Ring

Oct.29.2024
Ukrainian Border Guards Bust Illegal E-Cigarette Smuggling Ring
Ukrainian border forces bust illegal e-cigarette smuggling ring, seizing over 27,000 products worth $36,000.

According to Bug.Org's report on October 28th, the Ukrainian border guards detained a criminal gang that was illegally transporting e-cigarettes across the border.


These smugglers bring goods into Warren State and Lviv State through border checkpoints, then sell disposable e-cigarettes and nicotine-containing e-liquid through a specially created Telegram channel. Orders are either shipped to the final consumers or delivered in person.


In Kyiv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions, law enforcement officers conducted searches on vehicles, warehouses, and the residences of suspects. In the end, they seized over 27,000 e-cigarettes, e-cigarette liquid, and vaping devices, with a total value exceeding 15 million hryvnias (or $36,000).


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

Indonesia's e-cigarette industry expected to create 210,000-280,000 jobs by 2030, with tax revenue reaching 2.65 trillion Indonesian Rupiah in 2024
Indonesia's e-cigarette industry expected to create 210,000-280,000 jobs by 2030, with tax revenue reaching 2.65 trillion Indonesian Rupiah in 2024
E-Cigarette Industry in Indonesia Expected to Create Up to 280,000 Jobs by 2030, Boosting Tax Revenue.
Sep.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
ASDF responds to Malaysia's proposed e-cigarette ban: Implementation prospects remain unclear; urges compliant operations and diversified strategies
ASDF responds to Malaysia's proposed e-cigarette ban: Implementation prospects remain unclear; urges compliant operations and diversified strategies
Regarding the Malaysian government's plan to implement a nationwide ban on the sale and use of e-cigarettes in phases from mid-2026, local e-cigarette brand ASDF told 2Firsts that this move reflects the government's concerns over public health, youth protection and market regulation. However, uncertainties remain regarding the specific implementation methods and pace of enforcement for the policy.
Sep.29
Research Brief | Altria Study Finds Limited Impact of Massachusetts Flavor Ban on Adult Smoking Rates
Research Brief | Altria Study Finds Limited Impact of Massachusetts Flavor Ban on Adult Smoking Rates
A replication study by Altria scientists published in AJPM Focus evaluated the effect of Massachusetts’ comprehensive flavored‐tobacco ban,the study found that while Massachusetts’ smoking rate continued to decline after the ban, it did not fall faster than in comparison states without flavor bans. Overall, Massachusetts fell from about 14.1% to 10.7%, while comparison states fell from 18.5% to 14.8%. The authors conclude that, for adult smoking prevalence, no additional net decline attributable
Sep.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
A joint operation by multiple departments in Brazil seized 20 boxes of illegal e-cigarettes worth about $90,000
A joint operation by multiple departments in Brazil seized 20 boxes of illegal e-cigarettes worth about $90,000
Brazilian federal police, border patrol, and military jointly seize 20 crates of illegal e-cigarettes in Altônia National Park.
Sep.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Exclusive with Former WHO Director Tikki Pang: FCTC Overlooks Tobacco Harm Reduction, and Asia’s Tobacco Control Challenges Demand Urgent Solutions
2Firsts Exclusive with Former WHO Director Tikki Pang: FCTC Overlooks Tobacco Harm Reduction, and Asia’s Tobacco Control Challenges Demand Urgent Solutions
Ahead of AFN25, 2Firsts interviewed former WHO director Tikki Pang, who reflected on two decades of the FCTC. While acknowledging its early successes, Pang pointed to its greatest shortcoming—excluding tobacco harm reduction—and noted its limited impact in Asia. He called for advancing THR and emphasized that proper regulation should balance reducing risks for adults and preventing youth access, while ensuring affordability and curbing illicit trade.
Aug.26
Chinese National Arrested Near Pattaya, Thailand for Illegal Sale of Ketamine-Laced Vapes
Chinese National Arrested Near Pattaya, Thailand for Illegal Sale of Ketamine-Laced Vapes
On August 21, 2025, Banglamung Police arrested a 41-year-old Chinese man, Yu Shizhone, in Chonburi’s Huai Yai area after uncovering his role in selling ketamine-laced vapes, known as “K-vapes,” through online platforms. Authorities seized e-cigarette pods, drugs, and a firearm during the sting operation.
Aug.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai