During an operation against the smuggling of electronic cigarettes this Tuesday in Joinville, in the north of Santa Catarina, products worth about half a million reais were confiscated (19). The action, called Dirty Steam, was initiated by the Federal Tax Service and the PF (Federal Police).
The investigation began following a study carried out by the intelligence sector of the Federal Tax Service, which revealed the movement of illicit shipments of electronic cigarettes in the Joinville region. An investigation launched by the PF revealed that the suspects had outlets selling the products in regular shops in the municipality.
In addition, e-cigarettes were sold online through websites and social media profiles. During the searches, electronic devices, entities and accessories were confiscated from the agents participating in the action.
Three people arrested in protest against e-cigarettes
Police also arrested three people. According to the PF, those under investigation may be charged with smuggling and crimes of a criminal community, with a maximum penalty of eight years in prison.
“Electronic cigarettes or vapes are items whose sale is prohibited in Brazil due to the risk that the consumption of these substances poses to human health,” explains the representative of the Federal Tax Service in Joinville, tax auditor Luis Antonio Miranda.
The Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) regulation prohibits the import, sale and advertising of all types of electronic smoking in Brazil. According to the tax inspector, the seized products will be sent for destruction.
Source: Ndmais