Kazakhstan city strictly enforces ban: 24000 illegal electronic cigarettes seized in 4 months

Kazakhstan city strictly enforces ban: 24000 illegal electronic cigarettes seized in 4 months

The police in a city in Kazakhstan have strengthened their crackdown on illegal electronic cigarette sales. Since June 20th, 23 cases have been filed and 24000 electronic cigarette devices have been destroyed. Violations will face a maximum fine of $38000 or imprisonment.

According to Almaty According to a recent TV report, Atan Yeleuzov, Deputy Director of the Local Police Service Management Department of Almaty Police Station in Kazakhstan, stated at a press conference on cracking down on illegal electronic cigarette trading that since June 20, 2024, Alamutu has filed 23 criminal cases involving illegal electronic cigarette trading, of which 4 have been tried and sentenced. In these cases, over 24300 electronic cigarette devices were seized and destroyed.

The press conference also detailed the legal consequences of the violation. Selling and distributing electronic cigarettes will face fines of up to 738000 tenge (1522 US dollars) or forced labor reform; Production and import may result in fines of up to 7.4 million tenge (15000 US dollars), forced labor reform, or imprisonment for up to two years; For more serious crimes, such as gang crime or obtaining huge profits, the punishment includes a fine of up to 18.4 million tenge (38000 US dollars) or up to five years in prison, while property may be confiscated.

The person in charge emphasized that the police will continue to closely monitor the illegal trade of electronic cigarettes to maintain the health and safety of local residents.