Japanese police arrested a 21-year-old university student for allegedly selling the electronic cigarette 'Nicopuff', which contains nicotine and is not legally sold in the country, to a high school student. This arrest, which occurred in Osaka Prefecture, represents the first known enforcement action against the illegal sale of these devices. The individual admitted to purchasing the cigarettes from overseas websites and reselling them for profit. According to police investigations, he sold a total of around 70 units between last June and January, amassing approximately 285,000 yen.

The 'Nicopuff' is a disposable electronic cigarette that heats nicotine-containing liquid to produce vapor, combining the terms 'nicotine' and 'puff'. While the sale of these products is regulated under Japanese law preventing distribution, personal import and usage is allowed, leading to the operation of websites that facilitate such imports. Concerns from the Ministry of Health also underscore potential safety issues, as harmful substances apart from nicotine may be present in these products, which remain unverified by authorities.

The arrested university student sold the Nicopuffs for 40,000 yen to an 18-year-old high school junior, who then resold one for 4,500 yen to a 17-year-old girl the following day. The case emerged after police questioned students spotted using Nicopuffs in Osaka last November. The high school student mentioned that the product was appealing due to its cute design and various flavors, remarking that it was popular among peers and perceived as a stylish accessory. Authorities are raising alarms, labeling it a potential 'gateway drug' for younger demographics.