Overview

• Two Chinese nationals were arrested and placed in pretrial detention following the seizure of 250,000 illegal e-cigarettes in Fürth, Bavaria.
• The illicit 'Big Vapes,' produced in China, exceeded Germany's 2 ml nicotine liquid limit and were sold without age verification.
• Authorities estimate a tax shortfall of €1.4 million from the smuggled goods, which were discovered during a raid on a warehouse and employees' residences.
• Disposing of the seized vapes, classified as problematic electronic waste, is expected to cost €500,000 due to their non-recyclable design.
• The raid involved customs, police, and technical relief teams, requiring three trucks to transport the 70 pallets of confiscated goods.