Core Viewpoint - The Beijing Internet Court ruled against the sale of "smoking cards" to minors, emphasizing the need for e-commerce platforms to take responsibility in protecting minors from tobacco-related products [1][7][9]. Group 1: Court Ruling and Analysis - The court determined that selling smoking cards as toys violates public order and morals, as it poses a risk to minors' health and promotes tobacco-related imagery [9][11]. - The ruling highlighted that the sale of smoking cards undermines the legal framework designed to protect minors from tobacco exposure, despite existing laws not explicitly banning such products [8][9]. - The court's decision reflects a broader societal goal of safeguarding minors' physical and mental well-being, aligning with the principles established in the Minor Protection Law [8][9]. Group 2: E-commerce Platform Responsibilities - The defendant e-commerce platform argued that it merely serves as a marketplace and does not control the products sold by third-party vendors, claiming no legal basis for banning smoking cards [5][12]. - Despite the platform's implementation of a "Green Network Plan" to filter out smoking card listings, the effectiveness of these measures has been questioned, as many listings remain accessible [11][12]. - The court indicated that the platform must enhance its oversight and regulatory measures to better protect minors, suggesting that current efforts are insufficient [12][15]. Group 3: Public and Regulatory Response - The case has drawn attention to the rising popularity of smoking cards among schoolchildren, prompting concerns from health experts about their potential to normalize smoking behavior [2][14]. - Regulatory bodies, including the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, have initiated actions to address the sale of smoking cards, urging e-commerce platforms to self-regulate and remove such products [14][15]. - Despite these efforts, the ongoing availability of smoking cards on various platforms indicates that previous regulatory actions have not achieved lasting results [15].

Core Insights - A significant illegal tobacco operation was dismantled in Inner Mongolia, involving a network that distributed processed tobacco across multiple provinces, resulting in the arrest of 11 suspects and the seizure of over 1.35 tons of finished tobacco and 33 tons of raw materials [1][5][6] Group 1: Discovery and Investigation - The investigation began with a tip-off regarding a flower shop suspected of illegal tobacco sales, leading to the discovery of bulk tobacco without proper labeling [2] - The suspects were found to be using household appliances as a cover for shipping tobacco, indicating a sophisticated smuggling operation [2][3] - A collaborative effort between police in different provinces was initiated to track and apprehend key suspects involved in the illegal tobacco supply chain [3][4] Group 2: Network Disruption - The investigation revealed a larger network involving multiple layers of suppliers and distributors, with significant financial transactions traced back to a source in Yunnan [4][6] - A coordinated operation in September 2024 led to the seizure of over 30 tons of tobacco products and the arrest of several key figures in the operation [5][6] - The operation successfully dismantled a four-tier supply chain, cutting off a major illegal tobacco distribution network that spanned across the country [6]