In a coordinated operation by the Civil Police in Piracicaba, a 21-year-old man was detained on Thursday morning, suspected of selling electronic cigarettes (vapes) on demand. The operation, named 'Mercado Oculto', led to the confiscation of 109 electronic cigarettes and over R$5,000 in cash from the suspect's apartment in the Dois Córregos neighborhood. According to police reports, the arrests took place at around 11 AM as part of an investigation into illegal sales activities within residential areas.

The police indicated that customers were placing orders for vapes and using app-based drivers to collect them directly from the condominium's entrance. This method of operation raised concerns about the distribution of these products, especially regarding potential underage purchases and unregulated sales. Initially, the suspect denied having additional products, but when presented with evidence from ongoing investigations, he reportedly indicated that there were indeed more items available for sale, implicating a wider network.

The implications of this operation highlight a growing trend in the illegal sale of electronic cigarettes in residential areas, raising public health concerns and calls for stricter regulations on vaping products. As authorities continue to monitor these activities, residents may become more aware of the illicit market, encouraging them to report suspicious behavior and potentially leading to further investigations to curb this developing issue in Piracicaba and beyond.