250,000 e-cigarettes confiscated: two men in custody!

250,000 e-cigarettes confiscated: two men in custody!

customs investigators in Middle Franconia have achieved a record when ensuring smuggled e-cigarettes. In a large-scale campaign, 250,000 e-cigarettes, also called Vapes, were ensured that caused a devastating tax damage of around 1.4 million euros. The results of the investigation are part of an extensive approach to illegal trade in tobacco products in the region. Two suspicious men, both Chinese citizens, are now in custody.

The investigators tracked down the suspect thanks to increased controls in road and mail traffic. On April 9, 2025, a search of business and storage rooms of an international company was carried out in Fürth, in which the e-cigarettes were secured. The removal of 70 Euro pallets required the use of customs, police and technical relief organization as well as three trucks.

Investigations and further consolidations

The current action is not the only one in this series. As early as March 2025, searches took place in Fürth and Berlin, in which a total of 8,000 e-cigarettes and 340 kg of unmounted hookah tobacco, 465 sticks smuggling cigarettes, 170 can snus, around 1 kg of hashish and 6,000 euros in cash were secured. Investigations indicate an Arab -born group of perpetrators that transported goods between Berlin and Fürth.

also mobilized in Nuremberg city center over 100 investigative persons to search for illegal vapes in six shops, an internet café and several storage rooms. The products were found hidden, among other things. Against six accused is investigated for tax stone shops.

Health risks and environmental problems

The authorities urge to warn of the consumption of illegal e-cigarettes because they have health risks and environmental problems. The black market for disposable E-cigarettes is booming, especially among the so-called "Big Vapes", which contain more than 2 ml liquid. These products are often sold without age control and taxes, which promotes the illegal market.

A hidden problem is also the environmentally harmful aspects of the e-cigarettes. They are considered a problematic electronic waste, and the disposal costs amount to at least 2 euros each. Accordingly, the consumption of illegal e-products should be seriously covered. Authorities are doing everything possible to ensure a complete control and enforce the laws to protect the population.

The current press release from the Nuremberg-Fürth public prosecutor and the Munich Customs Fearing Office emphasizes that the combating of illegal trade in e-cigarettes and unmistaked tobacco products has a top priority. The measures of the past few months have already shown great successes, and the investigation is ongoing to finally smash the entire network of illegal trade.

For Germany, the regulation and control of the tobacco market remains a constantly growing challenge, especially in view of the booming illegal illegal markets .