Seized: Illegitimate e-cigarettes and tobacco uncovered at kiosk by customs and authorities in Bottrop
Operation Cracks Down on Illegal Vapes in Bottrop
On the 7th of August, a joint operation was carried out by the customs office, trade department, municipal public order service, customs, and police in the city of Bottrop. The operation aimed to secure untaxed tobacco and vapes, particularly illegal vapes that pose significant health and safety risks.
During the operation, large quantities of untaxed tobacco were secured, and a search warrant was used to discover hidden illegal vapes in adjacent rooms of a supermarket. However, no further details about the nature of the violations in the supermarket were provided.
Customs also secured large quantities of untaxed and unfit for traffic vapes (e-cigarettes) during the operation. These illegal vapes, especially those manufactured in China, have been found to contain toxic heavy metals and unsafe chemicals, failing to meet safety standards and targeting vulnerable populations.
A study by the University of California-Davis found that illegal disposable pod vapes, such as ELF Bar, Esco Bar, and Flum Pebble — all made in China — contained heavy metals like lead, chromium, nickel, copper, antimony, and zinc at unsafe levels in their aerosols[1]. These metals can be carcinogenic and toxic, raising concerns about long-term health effects, especially since these products are popular with youth.
In addition to the presence of toxic metals, illegal Chinese vapes often lack proper regulation and quality control. This results in unknown and potentially harmful chemical compositions in the vape liquid and vapor, absence of warning labels, presence of contaminants such as arsenic and other toxic metals, and the possible inclusion of chemicals that increase addiction risk and unknown health hazards[2][5].
The U.S. FDA is increasingly cracking down on these illegal imports because they are banned even in China due to their dangers and are linked to addiction in young users[2]. These illegal vapes have flooded U.S. markets, posing public health risks to both adults and children[4].
In the city of Bottrop, the operation did not provide further details about the violations found in the kiosk. However, it was revealed that violations of the Price Indication Ordinance (PAngV) were found in a large supermarket during the operation, and an administrative offence procedure has been initiated by the trade department regarding the supermarket. The business operator did not cooperate during the search.
The operation was conducted in various business premises throughout the city of Bottrop, and a tax evasion procedure has been initiated regarding the illegal vapes. The authorities continue to warn the public about the dangers posed by these illegal vapes and urge everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7191277/ [2] https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/compliance-enforcement/illegal-vapes-what-you-need-know [3] https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-public-about-illegal-vapes-sold-online-and-in-stores [4] https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6637114/
The joint operation in Bottrop not only seized untaxed tobacco but also discovered illegal vapes during searches, particularly those manufactured in China, which are known to contain toxic heavy metals and unsafe chemicals, compromising health-and-wellness. This situation highlights the need for continued vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities in the general-news context.
The operation also found violations of the Price Indication Ordinance (PAngV) in a large supermarket, raising concerns about the integrity of health-and-wellness products, especially in the health-and-wellness section, and prompting a reaction from the trade department regarding the supermarket.
