Authorities seize 682 illegal e-cigarettes and tobacco products in Vienna-Favoriten

As the City of Vienna announced in a press release on Thursday, the inspection targeted a grocery store in Vienna's tenth district. In addition to the Rapid Response Unit, participants included MA 36 and MA 59, the Austrian Customs Office — supported by a sniffer dog — as well as the Alien Police.

During the targeted operation "Safe Favoriten," 682 illegal e-cigarettes, 40 kilograms of shisha tobacco, and 70 packs of cigarettes without the required distribution license were seized, among other items. Potency enhancers were also confiscated, according to the report.

Quotes from the operation leadership

Walter Hillerer, head of the Rapid Response Unit, emphasized in the press release: "Diese Schwerpunktaktion zeigt einmal mehr, wie wichtig die enge Zusammenarbeit aller beteiligten Dienststellen im Kampf gegen den illegalen Handel ist." The operation was an example of coordination between the Magistrat, customs, and police.

The office of the Magistrat official responsible for the targeted operation stated: "Mit unseren Kontrollen schützen wir die Wienerinnen und Wiener und sorgen für faire Wettbewerbsbedingungen für jene Unternehmen, die sich vorbildlich an die gesetzlichen Bestimmungen halten." Officials said they intended to consistently push back against the illegal trade.

According to the City of Vienna, the investigations targeted not only tobacco products but also other unauthorized goods. The confiscated merchandise was secured and will be evaluated by the authorities in further proceedings. No specific details about the affected store or suspects were initially released.

Background on the Rapid Response Unit

The Rapid Response Unit is a City of Vienna unit that intervenes quickly in acute situations, such as illegal trade or administrative violations. It works closely with specialized departments such as MA 36 (Technical Trade Matters) and MA 59 (Market Office).

A sniffer dog from the Austrian Customs Office, trained to detect tobacco and other smuggled goods, was also deployed during the inspection. According to those responsible, the combination of municipal oversight, customs, and the Alien Police is intended to increase the effectiveness of targeted operations.

According to the City of Vienna, the "Safe Favoriten" operation is part of a series of further targeted inspections in Vienna's districts. The goal is to uncover illegal structures in the tobacco and lifestyle products sector and make the districts safer for consumers.

Outlook and further inspections

The Magistrat announced that inspections would continue in the coming weeks. Authorities initially declined to confirm whether other stores in Vienna-Favoriten could be affected. The investigations are ongoing.

The following continues to apply to the public: suspicious observations should be reported directly to the nearest police station or the Rapid Response Unit. Tips would be treated confidentially, according to City Hall.