On March 21, police in Đắk Lắk Province announced that they have officially charged a 26-year-old man, Nguyễn Kim Long, from Buôn Ma Thuột City, for “trading in prohibited goods” under Article 190, Clause 1 of the Criminal Code.
This case actually started a few months earlier. On December 20, 2025, the provincial economic police caught another individual, Ngô Đình Bình, while he was delivering e-cigarette accessories to a customer. During questioning, Bình admitted that the goods belonged to Nguyễn Kim Long.
Following that lead, authorities searched Long’s storage location and seized a large quantity of vape-related products:
- 948 boxes of e-liquid
- 44 vape devices
- 171 boxes of pods (1,163 items in total)
When asked to provide documentation, Long was unable to show invoices or proof of origin for any of the products.
The investigation is still ongoing, and police are working to determine the full scope of the operation.
Strict Reminder from Authorities
Local authorities emphasized that e-cigarettes are classified as prohibited goods in the area. That means not just selling, but also storing, transporting, advertising, or acting as an intermediary for these products can lead to criminal charges.
They also encouraged the public to report any activities related to the production, trade, or use of prohibited items, including:
- Traditional cigarettes (in certain cases)
- E-cigarettes
- Heated tobacco products
- Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”)
- Hookah products
Takeaway
This case shows how seriously local authorities are treating the illegal vape market. It’s not just about fines—criminal charges are very much on the table.
If you’re involved in this industry or following the market, it’s a clear signal: compliance isn’t optional anymore, especially in regions where regulations are tightening fast.