Undercover probe uncovers illegal sale of nasal tobacco and nicotine pouches openly in Tsim Sha Tsui

Nicotine snuff and nicotine pouches are being sold openly through retail shops and online platforms in Hong Kong, despite ongoing government enforcement against illegal alternative smoking products, an investigation by Sing Tao Probe found.

The investigation found that two tobacco-based products commonly known as “snuff” and “nicotine pouches” can still be easily purchased through retail outlets and online platforms, with sellers claiming they can bypass smoking bans and be used indoors to “satisfy cravings.”

Snuff, also known as nasal tobacco, is a processed tobacco powder containing nicotine and is inhaled through the nose. Acting on a tip-off, undercover reporters visited a fashion shop on the ground floor of Chungking Mansions in Tsim Sha Tsui, where an African man was manning the store.

When asked directly whether snuff was for sale, he quickly produced a small box, saying, “This is it, HK$50 a box. You use it through the nose. I brought it back from Africa.” The powder inside the box was dark brown, resembling coffee grounds.

The shop assistant went on to demonstrate how the product is used, instructing that a small amount of powder be inhaled through the nostrils. He claimed there was no limit to how often it could be taken each day, saying four, five, or even six times would not be a problem, and that the sensation could last several minutes.

He further alleged that the snuff was not a drug but a form of medicine, claiming it could treat headaches, eye problems, asthma, and improve the sense of smell. Labels on the packaging also suggested the product could enhance sexual performance.

Before the reporter left, the shop assistant also introduced another product known locally as “smoking bags,” saying they were easy to purchase online and that he had tried them once but found the effect too strong.

A subsequent online search by reporters found that the product, which resembles a miniature tea bag, is formally known as a nicotine pouch, also referred to as oral tobacco. Each box contains 20 pouches, with each pouch containing between 3 and 14 milligrams of nicotine, retailing at around HK$80 per box.

Online sales of nicotine pouches were found to be widespread. When reporters contacted an online seller, they were immediately sent a promotional video claiming the pouches leave no cigarette odor and can be used anytime, anywhere, including indoors.

The seller said customers only needed to make a bank transfer and provide delivery details, after which the products would be sent via a courier service. The seller repeatedly cautioned buyers not to write anything in the transfer remark field.

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Some smokers who had tried both snuff and nicotine pouches told Sing Tao Probe that because both products contain nicotine, they produce a mild smoking sensation. However, nasal snuff was described as having a strong tobacco smell, with powder lingering in the nasal cavity and causing discomfort. Nicotine pouches, while often flavored with fruit and producing a cooling sensation similar to mint candy, were said to release powder afterward, leading to severe throat irritation.

In response to inquiries, the Department of Health said that aside from cigarettes, any product containing nicotine is regulated under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance. The illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products constitutes a criminal offense.

Upon conviction, each offense carries a maximum penalty of a HK$100,000 fine and two years’ imprisonment.