Dutch investigators from the Fiscale Inlichtingen- en Opsporingsdienst seized 12.5 million illegal cigarettes in three separate operations over the past two weeks, preventing an estimated €4.2 million in lost excise revenue, according to the Ministry of Finance. The first haul, more than 3.5 million cigarettes, was uncovered on Jan. 28 in Rotterdam hidden inside a container of plastic crates, while a second seizure of 6.5 million cigarettes followed a customs check at Rotterdam port, where cartons were concealed within wooden sauna crates. A further 2.5 million cigarettes were found in raids at premises in Vlijmen and a warehouse in Den Bosch, with authorities stating the tobacco was intended for illegal sale in the Netherlands. One suspect has been arrested, and further arrests have not been ruled out.
Tag: seize
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Russian Police Seize $1.6M in Illicit Vapes
Russian police in the Tambov region seized more than 150,000 e-cigarettes, along with cartridges and liquids worth about 126.5 million rubles ($1.6 million). Authorities said the products were shipped from Moscow disguised as small household appliances and supported by fake documents. Testing found nicotine levels significantly higher than stated on the packaging. A man has been detained, and a criminal case has been opened for the storage and sale of unmarked e-cigarettes.
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Italy Busts Largest Counterfeit Cigarette Factory
Italian customs seized over 150 tons of counterfeit cigarettes from what authorities say is the country’s largest illegal factory, located near Cassino. The 1,600-square-meter underground facility produced an estimated 2.7 billion cigarettes annually and was hidden behind a sophisticated hydraulic mechanism in a logistics warehouse.
The bunker included three production lines, a ventilation system, and living quarters for workers. Officials estimate the operation generated over €900 million ($1.1 billion) annually, with €600 million in evaded taxes uncovered so far. Several suspects have been identified, and one person has been arrested.
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HHS and CBP Seize $86.5 Million in Illegal E-Cigarettes in Largest U.S. Operation
Today (September 10), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced the seizure of 4.7 million unauthorized e-cigarette units in Chicago with an estimated retail value of $86.5 million. Working with the FDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), HHS said it was the largest operation of its kind.
The shipments, mostly originating from China, were found to contain misleading product descriptions and undervalued entries, apparently aimed at evading duties and FDA safety review.
“We will never allow foreign actors to threaten the health of America’s children,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Today we took decisive action to protect kids from illegal vape products.”
So far this year, the FDA and CBP have stopped more than 6 million unauthorized e-cigarettes valued at over $120 million. All seized products lacked the required pre-market authorization from the FDA. In addition, the FDA contacted 37 importers responsible for these shipments, reminding them of their legal obligations and requesting full compliance within 30 days.
“The FDA and our federal partners are taking strong actions to shore up America’s borders and stop the flow of illegal vaping products into our country,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. “If a product has not been authorized by the FDA, CBP will seize, detain or destroy it.”