Authorities in Vientiane, Laos inspected and destroyed a large number of imported vape products

The authorities of the Narcotics Control Department of the Public Security Bureau of Vientiane City, together with the Trade and Industry Department and the Health Department, destroyed a large number of electronic cigarettes, pods and e-liquids at the garbage disposal center 32 kilometers away from Highway 13 in the south on June 14.

These contraband goods were seized in Dongdu Village Market, Saitani County, Vientiane City. Lieutenant Colonel Pany SOUTSAVATH, Director of the Drug Control Department of the Public Security Department of Vientiane City, said, “This is the implementation of the decree No. 52 of BL dated 25 February 2019 on the punishment of violators of the tobacco control and tobacco law.”

In addition, some people complained and asked the authorities to inspect the shops selling electronic cigarettes in the market of Dongdu Campus. Therefore, on June 7, 2019, in coordination with relevant departments, the Anti-Narcotics Department inspected Ms. Phay, a 31-year-old target store owner in the Dongdu Campus market, publicly seized contraband electronic cigarettes and their devices in the stores, and found that she had advertised on social media.

Through the inspection of the store’s business license, it was found that the store was not allowed to sell electronic cigarettes. In addition, it was found that he also sold other prohibited devices, totaling 25 boxes and 5 bags, worth 15 million Kip. Pany VONGPADITH, deputy director of the Health Promotion Department of the Vientiane City Health Department, revealed, “before importing and selling, all kinds of tobacco must pass the approval of the health department before it can be sold, while importing electronic cigarettes is illegal”. “Although electronic cigarettes are prohibited from importing, there are still illegal people smuggling and selling them, and they are favored by young people,” said the Vientiane City Industry and Trade Office. Therefore, the Vientiane City Industry and Trade Department warned the shopkeeper and imposed a fine according to the value of the product.

The authorities of the Lao Anti-Narcotics Department added, “With regard to the suppression of electronic cigarette products, we will continue to cooperate with relevant departments to inspect target stores in order to eliminate the import and sale of electronic cigarettes and devices.”