E-cigarette menace resurfaces in Manipal despite ban

Team Udayavani, Sep 2, 2024, 11:57 AM IST

Representative image (Credit: iStock)

Udupi:  Despite the ban on the sale of e-cigarettes, the menace has resurfaced in the Manipal region.

Authorities recently apprehended Mohammad Unais (25), a resident of Kasaragod, for selling e-cigarettes at a shop near the road leading to the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Manipal. The police also seized e-cigarettes worth thousands of rupees. During questioning, the accused revealed that he was involved in this illegal activity with another individual.

Procured from Mumbai

The banned e-cigarettes were being purchased from Mumbai and sold in Udupi district. Items such as cool drinks, perfumes, and lighters were reportedly being brought from Mumbai to Udupi via buses and trains for easy sale.

Increased Sales During COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several shops in the Manipal area were found to be selling e-cigarettes extensively. The Manipal police conducted regular raids, seizing various items and imposing fines. Although sales had temporarily halted, the resurgence of this illegal trade indicates that the network may be re-emerging, prompting calls for renewed police action.

What Are E-Cigarettes?

E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, vape pens, hookah pens, e-cigars, or e-pipes, are devices that vaporize liquid containing nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavoring agents to produce an inhalable vapor. Although they differ from regular cigarettes by not emitting harmful smoke, they still contain nicotine, which can lead to addiction. Medical professionals warn that excessive use may cause overheating, respiratory issues, and neurological problems.

Severe Penalties for Violations

The central government enforced the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act 2019, which bans the manufacture, import, export, sale, storage, consumption, and advertisement of e-cigarettes.

Under Section 4 of this act, a first-time offender can face up to one year in prison and a fine of Rs 1 lakh. A repeat offender could face up to three years in prison and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. Section 5 of the act also prescribes six months of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000, or both, for violations.

Concerns Over Narcotic Substances

There are concerns that the recent spike in demand for e-cigarettes could be due to the inclusion of addictive narcotic substances in these products. This is particularly worrying as students and the youth seem to be the primary targets for these sales.

Widespread Use of Conventional Cigarettes

In addition to e-cigarettes, the widespread use of conventional cigarettes in public places continues to be a problem in Manipal. Despite the presence of signage warning against tobacco use due to its health hazards, people are frequently seen smoking in public spaces. There is a growing need for the district administration to construct separate smoking zones to curb this issue.

Public Encouraged to Report

The police have been conducting operations against the sale of e-cigarettes in various locations. Manipal Station Inspector Devaraj T.V. has urged the public to report any instances of e-cigarette use or sale to the nearest police station.