Kazakhstan Seized And Destroyed Over 180,000 Electronic Cigarettes, Worth 14 Million Yuan.

According to Astana Television, the police in Almaty, Kazakhstan, have cracked a major case of illegal electronic cigarette trafficking. The police seized and destroyed over 180,000 electronic cigarettes. Prosecutors estimated that the potential sales value of these electronic cigarettes could exceed 1 billion tenge (approximately 14 million yuan).
Local police said that although Kazakhstan has completely banned electronic cigarettes, after the ban came into effect, Almaty still cracked dozens of cases of illegal electronic cigarette trafficking. The suspects sold the prohibited products through multiple Telegram channels such as Snake opt.
Under the coordination of the Almaty City Prosecutor's Office, the Economic Investigation Bureau also identified the electronic cigarette warehouses and distribution points and seized the property worth 347 million tenge of the suspects. Currently, six suspects have been charged with criminal offenses and the relevant evidence has been submitted to the court for trial.
Public records show that since June 2024, Kazakhstan has banned the import, production, sale and distribution of electronic cigarettes, flavoring agents and electronic cigarette oil. Those who violate the ban will be subject to criminal penalties, including imprisonment.