Customs strikes: 210,000 illegal e-cigarettes in Saarlouis secured!

Customs strikes: 210,000 illegal e-cigarettes in Saarlouis secured!

On February 3, 2025, the authorities report on massive confiscation of illegal e-cigarettes in Saarland Saarlouis. In a campaign on January 9, customs ensured almost 50 pallets with around 210,000 illegal e-cigarettes that were not taxed and were not approved in Germany. The estimated tax damage amounts to around 1.4 million euros. In this context, a 39-year-old suspect was arrested, indicating the information from another procedure.

The illegal e-cigarettes were apparently intended for shipping to end users in both Germany and in other EU member states. The products were designed for one -time use and contained more nicotine -containing liquid than is permitted according to German regulations. The removal of the confiscated goods took place with the support of the technical relief organization.

Investigations in other federal states

In addition to the events in Saarlouis, extensive searches took place in several cities such as Düsseldorf and Mönchengladbach on January 16. In doing so, customs investigators searched various company addresses, deposits and residential objects. A total of 50 euro pallets with illegal e-cigarettes and cash of 75,000 euros, fake documents and even a long weapon with ammunition were secured. The investigation by the Essen customs investigation office, which has been going on since the end of 2023, are related to the import, storage and resale of non-controlled and non-transportable e-cigarettes.

In Mönchengladbach in particular, customs was able to ensure that almost 30,000 illegal e-cigarettes with an estimated tax damage of around 150,000 euros. Furthermore, around 42 pallets with illegal e-cigarettes were confiscated in Hermeskeil. The authorities are currently assuming an ongoing investigation, since further suspicions of several people from Afghan and Chinese environment are becoming clear.

legal background

The attacks on illegal e-cigarettes are part of a wider strategy to combat illegal tobacco trading in Germany. Liquids for e-cigarettes have been taxable since July 1, 2022, whereby the tobacco tax is EUR 0.26 per milliliter. Violations of this regulation are not only pursued under civil law, but also criminal. The customs authorities warn that illegal and fake tobacco products are often produced under hygienically questionable conditions, which also carries health risks.

In another control in Friedberg (Wetteraukreis), the customs were also able to ensure more than 1.6 million unmounted and presumably fake cigarettes and illegally produced hustle and bustle tobacco. The total tax damage for this amount is estimated at over 350,000 euros. The investigation in this case is directed against a 46-year-old suspect, who has been under observation since autumn of last year due to violation of the tobacco tax law.