Erbil authorities destroy 26,000 seized e-cigarettes, vapes amid crackdown
Nabaz Abdulhamid, Mayor of Erbil Central District, announced at a press conference that concerns over the presence of e-cigarettes in primary schools prompted the move.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – On Monday, August 19, 2024, a special committee formed for commercial control and police operations in Erbil destroyed over 26,000 electronic cigarettes that had been confiscated in recent months.
Nabaz Abdulhamid, Mayor of Erbil Central District, announced at a press conference that concerns over the presence of e-cigarettes in primary schools prompted the move.
In response, two ministries within the Kurdistan Regional Government issued directives to curb the spread of these devices.
“We formed a special committee to enforce these decisions, and it has successfully confiscated 26,000 electronic cigarettes,” Abdulhamid stated.
The crackdown has included the closure of eight e-cigarette outlets, with a warning that non-compliant shops face closure and fines. "Shop owners who continue to defy regulations will be prosecuted," Abdulhamid added.
Investigations have revealed that the electronic cigarettes are being smuggled into Erbil from Sulaymaniyah and sold without proper oversight. “We are working to address this issue comprehensively,” Abdulhamid said.
He emphasized the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes on public health and society. “Electronic cigarettes are detrimental, and we are committed to eliminating them. We will intensify inspections and monitor both physical and online sales,” he concluded.
