Man Suspected of Smuggling and Selling Tobacco Products; Kaohsiung Police Seize Over 4,700 Packs of Heated Tobacco
Kaohsiung police have arrested a man for smuggling and selling heated tobacco products from Japan. Police seized over 4,700 packs of illegal heated tobacco, and the man was ordered to pay NT$1 million. Authorities are urging the public not to purchase tobacco products of unknown origin online.
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- 📰 Published: May 14, 2026 at 13:49
- 🔍 Collected: May 14, 2026 at 14:02 (12 min after Published)
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Kaohsiung, May 14 (CNA) - The Kaohsiung Investigation Branch of the Second Brigade of the Third Special Police Corps announced today that in an investigation into a man surnamed Wu for allegedly smuggling and selling tobacco products, they seized 4,780 packs of illegal heated tobacco, 297 packs of untaxed illicit cigarettes, and other evidence. Wu received a deferred prosecution from the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office and was ordered to pay NT$1 million to the public treasury.
Police officers from the Kaohsiung Investigation Branch of the Second Brigade of the Third Special Police Corps explained that Wu is suspected of having smuggled flavored heated tobacco, such as Muscat grape and cantaloupe flavors, into the country since 2024 by concealing them in checked luggage during trips to Japan. He then used imagery like 'first love grape sensation' and 'refreshing cantaloupe afternoon tea' on social media to attract buyers.
Police discovered that Wu allegedly established a 'one-stop' criminal model of 'overseas purchasing, luggage concealment, warehouse hoarding, online solicitation, and convenience store delivery.' He posted ads for illegal heated tobacco on online platforms, and after attracting buyers, he shipped the products through social commerce platforms or face-to-face transactions.
Police stated that in March, in conjunction with the Tobacco and Alcohol Management Section of the Kaohsiung City Government's Finance Bureau and other units, they conducted a search in Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City, and arrested Wu. On-site, they seized a total of 4,780 packs of illegal heated tobacco, 297 packs of various untaxed illicit cigarettes, 108 electronic heating devices, and 2 mobile phones used for the crime.
Police pointed out that the case was investigated for violations of the Tobacco and Alcohol Management Act and the Smuggling Punishment Act. Wu received a deferred prosecution from the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office and was ordered to pay NT$1 million to the public treasury.
The Third Special Police Corps issued a press release today reminding the public that they must purchase heated tobacco through legal physical channels approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and should not buy tobacco products of unknown origin or below market price from the internet. They also warned that smuggling illegal tobacco products violates Article 45, Paragraph 2 of the Tobacco and Alcohol Management Act, which is punishable by up to 3 years in prison and a fine of between NT$200,000 and NT$10 million. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150514
Police officers from the Kaohsiung Investigation Branch of the Second Brigade of the Third Special Police Corps explained that Wu is suspected of having smuggled flavored heated tobacco, such as Muscat grape and cantaloupe flavors, into the country since 2024 by concealing them in checked luggage during trips to Japan. He then used imagery like 'first love grape sensation' and 'refreshing cantaloupe afternoon tea' on social media to attract buyers.
Police discovered that Wu allegedly established a 'one-stop' criminal model of 'overseas purchasing, luggage concealment, warehouse hoarding, online solicitation, and convenience store delivery.' He posted ads for illegal heated tobacco on online platforms, and after attracting buyers, he shipped the products through social commerce platforms or face-to-face transactions.
Police stated that in March, in conjunction with the Tobacco and Alcohol Management Section of the Kaohsiung City Government's Finance Bureau and other units, they conducted a search in Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City, and arrested Wu. On-site, they seized a total of 4,780 packs of illegal heated tobacco, 297 packs of various untaxed illicit cigarettes, 108 electronic heating devices, and 2 mobile phones used for the crime.
Police pointed out that the case was investigated for violations of the Tobacco and Alcohol Management Act and the Smuggling Punishment Act. Wu received a deferred prosecution from the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office and was ordered to pay NT$1 million to the public treasury.
The Third Special Police Corps issued a press release today reminding the public that they must purchase heated tobacco through legal physical channels approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and should not buy tobacco products of unknown origin or below market price from the internet. They also warned that smuggling illegal tobacco products violates Article 45, Paragraph 2 of the Tobacco and Alcohol Management Act, which is punishable by up to 3 years in prison and a fine of between NT$200,000 and NT$10 million. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150514