Crackdown on an illegal e-cigarette industry chain in Siping, China, involving over 50 million yuan and resulting in 21 arrests.
China has intensified its efforts to combat the illegal e-cigarette trade, with a significant operation taking place in Siping. On June 25, 2024, the Economic Crime Investigation Unit of the Siping Public Security Bureau, in collaboration with the Siping Tobacco Monopoly Bureau, dismantled an illegal e-cigarette industry chain. This operation spanned nine provinces and eleven cities, leading to the arrest of 21 suspects and involving over 50 million yuan.
Details of the Crackdown
Initial Discovery and Investigation
The crackdown began when investigators from the Tobacco Squad of the Economic Crime Investigation Unit noticed a surge in fruit-flavored e-cigarettes in the local market, particularly among minors. These products, often designed to appeal to young people with flavors like cola and milk tea, are banned by tobacco regulatory departments in China.
Formation of the Task Force
In response, the Siping Public Security Bureau formed a specialized task force in collaboration with the Siping Tobacco Monopoly Bureau. This task force aimed to trace the origins and distribution network of these illegal e-cigarettes.
Uncovering the Industry Chain
The investigation revealed that the gang behind this illegal trade was purchasing over 20 types of banned fruit-flavored e-cigarettes from major cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Beijing through WeChat. These e-cigarettes were then distributed across various locations in Jilin Province, including Siping, Changchun, Gongzhuling, and Liaoyuan, using local delivery services, couriers, and logistics companies.
Coordinated Operation and Arrests
Evidence Gathering and Coordination
After gathering sufficient evidence, the task force coordinated a large-scale operation across nine provinces and eleven cities, including Jilin, Guangzhou, Beijing, Hunan, Hebei, and Shandong. This operation was meticulously planned to ensure simultaneous actions across multiple locations.
Arrests and Seizures
The coordinated raids resulted in the arrest of 21 suspects and the dismantling of an illegal e-cigarette production and processing factory. Authorities seized 31,000 fruit-flavored e-cigarettes, with the total value of the case exceeding 50 million yuan. The seized products were a significant threat to public health, especially given their appeal to minors.
FAQs
What triggered the crackdown on the illegal e-cigarette trade in Siping?
Investigators discovered a surge in fruit-flavored e-cigarettes in the local market, predominantly used by minors, which led to the formation of a specialized task force to trace and dismantle the illegal industry chain.
How many suspects were arrested during the operation?
The operation resulted in the arrest of 21 suspects.
What was the total value of the seized e-cigarettes?
The total value of the seized e-cigarettes exceeded 50 million yuan.
Which cities and provinces were involved in the coordinated operation?
The operation spanned nine provinces and eleven cities, including Jilin, Guangzhou, Beijing, Hunan, Hebei, and Shandong.
