Police raids uncover illegal fireworks and untaxed vapes in Hesse kiosks
Police and local authorities raided 14 kiosks across three towns in Hesse on Monday, December 29, 2025. The operation targeted illegal sales of tobacco, vapes, and fireworks. Officers seized large quantities of unregistered and unsafe goods during the inspections.
Nearly 30 officers from the Polizei, Ordnungsämter, and Stadtpolizeien carried out the raids in Rßsselsheim, Raunheim, and Ginsheim-Gustavsburg. They focused on kiosks suspected of selling untaxed products and improperly stored fireworks.
At two kiosks in Raunheim, investigators discovered a stash of F1 and F2 fireworks, including 40 rocket assortments, 244 firecrackers, and 91 firework batteries. They also found over 100 small fireworks and 22 Bengal flares, none of which had been reported to authorities. The items were confiscated due to unregistered sales and unsafe storage conditions.
In RĂźsselsheim, one kiosk was caught with a box of untaxed vapes, while another held more than 30 kilograms of chewing tobacco. Meanwhile, in Ginsheim-Gustavsburg, two kiosks were found with untaxed vapes and fireworks that had not been properly declared.
Overall, the raids led to the seizure of over 30 kilograms of tobacco, 438 vapes, 22 packs of snus, and 130 e-cigarette refill containers. Authorities suspect tax evasion and have launched formal investigations, which could result in heavy fines for the businesses involved.
The operation uncovered widespread violations, including untaxed tobacco, undeclared fireworks, and improperly stored goods. Formal proceedings are now underway, with affected kiosks facing potential penalties. Authorities have warned of stricter enforcement against similar offences in the future.
