9 out of 10 shopping centres in Ukraine sell banned drugs electronic cigarettes. There is virtually no control by law enforcement agencies. The illegal vape market continues to grow.
Mass sale of banned vapes
Since July 2024, Ukraine has been banning the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes. However IN THE 90% of the country's shopping malls continue to sell these devices.
There are retail islands on the territory of the mall, where illegal e-cigarettes are sold without hindrance. There are virtually no police checks or controls.
Law enforcement response and consequences
Despite the legal prohibition, law enforcement agencies do not exercise proper control over compliance. This allows the illegal e-cigarette market to continue to grow.
The lack of an effective police response creates conditions for the growth of illegal sales outlets. Consumers can easily buy illegal products in shopping centres.
Context.
Since July 2024, Ukraine has banned the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes. The aim of this regulation is to reduce the spread of vaping among young people.
However, the ban is actually ignored in most of the country's major shopping centres. Experts are calling for greater control and liability for violations.
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