The inspection services of the Public Health Ministry found more than 12,000 illegal e-cigarettes in the Agora Gallery in Brussels. These included the recently banned disposable vapes.
Together with the Brussels police, the inspection services have carried out three checks at the gallery in the city centre in three weeks. All searches were carried out within the framework of the new regulations of the Tobacco Plan, in force since 1 January 2025. The last inspection took place on Friday 24 January.
"During this inspection, we found more than 12,000 illegal vapes in the gallery," the Public Health Ministry said. "These included the recently banned disposable vapes, vapes with nicotine levels up to 2.5 times the permitted limit, and smart vapes that can be connected to smartphones."
Traffickers of these products risk fines of up to €8,000.
Health risk
The seized products originated from the illegal trade circuit and were professionally hidden in rooms behind a mirror and in a basement, where large quantities of nicotine pouches, which have been banned for over a year, were also found.
"The sale of these banned and dangerous products poses a serious risk, especially to minors," the statement from the Ministry said.
In earlier checks at the same gallery in 2023 and 2024, large quantities of non-compliant vapes were seized. Despite previous checks, these illegal products continue to appear. The inspection services will therefore carry out new targeted actions in the future.
"These checks show the importance of targeted actions to protect public health and in particular the health of our young people," said Paul Van den Meerssche, head of the inspectorate.
