E-cigarettes seized by Customs. Photo: Customs
- Next Article There’s no relying on public transport on Friday, states HSL
Finnish Customs has made a significant breakthrough in combating illegal trade by uncovering a substantial smuggling operation involving e-cigarettes in the Helsinki region. The operation, linked to a suspect from Lappeenranta, involved the illicit importation of e-cigarettes from China, with the intent to distribute them for profit. This case highlights the growing challenge of e-cigarette smuggling and its consequences on public health and legal compliance.
During routine inspections at a courier terminal in Helsinki, Customs officers discovered a shipment containing about one thousand nicotine-laden e-cigarettes. Further investigation revealed that throughout 2023, the suspect had ordered around 1,600 e-cigarettes from China. Customs successfully seized approximately a thousand of these devices, but 600 had already been distributed.
Marko Laitinen, the investigation leader at Customs, expressed concern over the increasing trend of young individuals ordering e-cigarettes, often unaware of the legal implications. “Not all those persons always know that it is illegal to order and distribute e-cigarettes. Once you get caught doing that, it always entails criminal liability,” Laitinen warned. He highlighted that the penalties for such offenses could range from fines to imprisonment, with the added burden of paying back evaded taxes and illicit gains, potentially amounting to thousands of euros.
The legality of ordering e-cigarettes, especially those containing nicotine, is strict in Finland. Individuals are prohibited from importing these devices through distance communication methods, such as online orders, due to the unknown health risks they pose. Illicit vapes may contain harmful chemicals, posing serious health risks to users.
The suspect from Lappeenranta faces charges of tax fraud and smuggling, with the potential for significant financial and legal repercussions. Customs has forwarded the case to the Prosecution District of Southern Finland for the decision on criminal charges. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and consequences of engaging in the illegal e-cigarette market, not just for the individuals involved but for the broader community due to the health hazards associated with unregulated vaping products.
HT
- Next Article There’s no relying on public transport on Friday, states HSL
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
