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Category: News This Week

  • Thailand Police Seize $2.8M in Illegal E-Cigarettes

    Thailand Police Seize $2.8M in Illegal E-Cigarettes

    Police and excise officials seized more than 559,000 illegal e-cigarettes and related parts during a raid in Wiharn Daeng district, Saraburi, Thailand. The announcement came at a press conference today (September 10), led by Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiewphan, one day after the operation.

    Trairong said cybercrime officers tracked a suspected pickup truck from Bangkok to a warehouse in Moo 4 village, Tambon Bang Lam. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 138,680 disposable INFY vapes, 40,800 disposable Escobar vapes, 374,000 pod heads for INFY devices, and 6,350 INFY vapes. The haul is valued at an estimated 90 million baht ($2.8 million).

  • Casa 1910 AG Raises $3 Million, Drops Prices, Expands Distribution

    Casa 1910 AG Raises $3 Million, Drops Prices, Expands Distribution

    Casa 1910 AG announced key developments in its growth strategy, including the closing of a $3 million funding round, a strategic price decrease across its portfolio, and new global retail and distribution partnerships. The investment, secured on September 1, will support production scaling, inventory expansion, and accelerated product development for both Casa 1910 and Mexigars.

    In line with its growth strategy, Casa 1910 adjusted pricing—a 20-25% decrease across most brands—to support retailers and broaden consumer access, with additional inventory of its popular Mexigars brand available from November 2025. “This decision is about listening to the market and acting with conviction,” said Rob Maneson, who was appointed Chief Commercial Officer in April. “This is not about short-term sacrifice — it is an investment in the strength and resilience of our community.” 

    The company also announced new partnerships with Avolta and Heinemann Group, Premium Brands (Spain), Cigraal (APAC), Cigar Must (Switzerland), Wild Bill’s (USA), and multiple U.S. distributors, strengthening its presence across 22 countries and 17 U.S. states.

  • Dutch Watchdog Puts Snapchat in Crosshairs for Online Vape Sales

    Dutch Watchdog Puts Snapchat in Crosshairs for Online Vape Sales

    The Dutch consumer watchdog ACM launched an investigation into Snapchat over the alleged large-scale illegal sale of vapes to minors following requests from anti-smoking group Stichting Rookpreventie and the national product safety authority NVWA. The probe will assess whether Snapchat has breached the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires platforms to curb illegal content and protect users, particularly children.

    ACM official Manon Leijten said there was sufficient evidence to warrant the investigation, as many of the vapes advertised on the app are illegal in the Netherlands because they contain child-appealing flavorings. Parent company Snap Inc. said the sale of vapes is banned on Snapchat and that it has taken “reasonable, proportional and effective measures” to prevent such activity. If found in violation, Snapchat could face fines.

  • South Australia Punishes 95 Stores for Vape Violations

    South Australia Punishes 95 Stores for Vape Violations

    The Malinauskas Labor Government issued 95 closure orders to stores caught selling illicit tobacco and vapes in South Australia since June, as part of its recent crackdown. Health Minister Chris Picton said 43 stores face three-day closures, 50 stores face 28-day shutdowns, and two are facing long-term shutdowns. He said the government is considering 12-month closure orders for repeat offenders through the Magistrates Court.

    Since June, more than A$40 million ($26.4 million) worth of illicit products have been seized under the new regulations. South Australia has imposed the nation’s harshest penalties, with fines of up to A$6.6 million ($4.4 million) for large-scale offenders. The Australian Council on Smoking and Health recently awarded the state an A+ score for its enforcement efforts.

  • WHO Report Links Tobacco Use to Child Stunting

    WHO Report Links Tobacco Use to Child Stunting

    The World Health Organization (WHO) published a new report warning that tobacco use plays a significant role in child stunting, a condition that affects nearly 150 million children worldwide, particularly in Africa and Asia. Stunting increases the risk of disease, delayed development, and early death. The document, the 11th in WHO’s tobacco knowledge summary series, is aimed at health professionals, policymakers, and public health advocates.

    WHO said that maternal smoking during pregnancy is strongly linked to preterm birth, low birth weight, and restricted fetal growth, all major predictors of stunting by age 2. Children exposed to second-hand smoke are also at higher risk, it said, with evidence showing that the harm intensifies with the level of exposure. By contrast, quitting smoking during pregnancy improves growth outcomes, reducing the risk of stunting.

    The organization is urging governments to strengthen tobacco control policies in line with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and MPOWER measures. WHO stressed that reducing tobacco exposure is critical to improving survival, growth, and development, and to achieving global health goals.

  • Türkiye Rolls Out Mobile Clinics in Anti-Tobacco Campaign

    Türkiye Rolls Out Mobile Clinics in Anti-Tobacco Campaign

    Türkiye launched a nationwide campaign against tobacco, sending mobile cessation clinics and roving control teams to all 81 provinces, taking prevention and treatment directly to the public in city centers, villages, campuses, and industrial zones. The Health Ministry said teams will raise awareness about tobacco’s dangers, promote resources such as the 171 Quitline and the “Green Detector” app, and connect smokers ready to quit with doctors in mobile clinics.

    Branded “Smoke-Free Türkiye,” the drive is part of the country’s 2024–2028 action plan to curb tobacco use, which remains at 34.8% of people aged 15 and older.

  • Reign Bar Debuts Mana 50K at CHAMPS Austin

    Reign Bar Debuts Mana 50K at CHAMPS Austin

    At the CHAMPS Tradeshow in Austin, Texas, today (September 9), Vape brand Reign Bar launched Mana 50K, a disposable device that, according to the company, features “the industry’s first visible e-liquid tank and dual sweetness-ice adjustment.” Dubbed the “Specs Terminator,” the product delivers up to 50,000 puffs with consistent output.

    Equipped with a high-power mesh coil, smart display controls, adjustable power, sweetness, and ice intensity, Reign says “Mana 50K addresses demand for customizable, anxiety-free vaping.” The device debuted with 10 fruit-flavor blends.

  • Spain Proposes Outdoor Smoking and Vape Ban

    Spain Proposes Outdoor Smoking and Vape Ban

    Today (September 9), Spain’s minority leftist government unveiled a bill that would ban smoking and vaping in outdoor spaces, including beaches, bar and restaurant terraces, bus stops, and stadiums, according to Reuters. Health Minister Monica García said the move puts “public health ahead of private interests,” stressing that everyone has the right to breathe clean air.

    The proposal, which mirrors recent restrictions in France but goes further by including e-cigarettes, still needs parliamentary approval. The hospitality sector has criticized the plan, noting that Spain’s outdoor terraces are central to its dining culture and widely used by smokers. Smoking indoors has been banned since 2011.

  • VELO Teams with McLaren in Fan-Centric Marketing Campaign

    VELO Teams with McLaren in Fan-Centric Marketing Campaign

    VELO has teamed with the McLaren Formula 1 Team to launch “Live Your Fandom,” a campaign designed to deepen fan engagement by offering exclusive, behind-the-scenes access. Nine fans from around the world were selected through McLaren Plus app competitions to spend a day inside the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK. The immersive experience included a surprise meeting with McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, a design workshop, and a Q&A with driver Lando Norris.

    “VELO, who champions those that embrace authenticity and self-expression, and the McLaren Formula 1 Team, are putting fandom front and center,” VELO said in a press release. “The two brands have come together to deliver unparalleled experiences and reward a community of global fans throughout the F1 season.”

  • MRECA: Should Hear from All Parties, Not Rely on “Biased” Vape Report 

    MRECA: Should Hear from All Parties, Not Rely on “Biased” Vape Report 

    The Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (MRECA) voiced concern over the Health Parliament Special Select Committee’s (PSSC) latest report, which proposes a blanket ban on the sale and use of e-cigarettes and vape. MRECA said the report was biased and prepared without consulting key stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, consumers, and independent experts.

    “The industry supports firm and balanced regulations, including age restrictions, product standards, and consumer safety measures,” MRECA said in its statement. “However, the process must be transparent and inclusive. Allegations made against the industry should be reviewed and verified with scientific evidence, not assumptions.”

    The association urged the Health PSSC to hold consultation sessions with all stakeholders before finalizing recommendations. “Without a fair and comprehensive process, a blanket ban would unfairly punish the industry as a whole,” MRECA said. “The vape sector should be seen as part of the solution, not part of the problem.”