756 ‘Harmful Vapes’ Confiscated From Shops
“A total of 756 vapes, valued at more than $30,000, were confiscated from shops in Devonshire and Smith’s,” local officials have confirmed, stating that “the products were found to contain either metatine, a toxic chemical, or nicotine levels above the legal limit.”
A Government spokesperson said, “Environmental Health Officers from the Department of Health conducted targeted enforcement inspections at two retail locations on Thursday, 30 April, resulting in the seizure of a significant quantity of harmful vapes. A total of 756 vapes, valued at more than $30,000, were confiscated from shops in Devonshire and Smith’s.
“The products were found to contain either metatine, a toxic chemical, or nicotine levels above the legal limit. Both substances are controlled in Bermuda due to their association with addiction, lung disease, and certain cancers.”
Image provided by the Ministry
Minister of Health Kim Wilson stated: “Despite warnings, these shops continued to stock illegal vapes. Keeping harmful products off our streets, and especially out of the hands of children, remains a priority for the Government. Regulating and enforcing controls on harmful products is one of the many tools we use to help prevent cancer and protect public health in Bermuda.”
The spokesperson said, “These enforcement actions align with the Minister’s ongoing warnings about the health risks associated with vaping. She has consistently cautioned that vaping products containing high dose nicotine or toxic chemicals pose serious risks, particularly to young people, and that illegal sales undermine Bermuda’s public health protections.
“Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1979, nicotine containing vapes may only be sold in registered pharmacies by licensed pharmacists, ensuring proper age verification, professional guidance, and controlled access. This safeguard exists to protect the public by preventing unregulated exposure to addictive or harmful substances and ensuring that anyone who chooses to use these products does so under appropriate oversight.
“Selling harmful vapes is a criminal offence. This includes vapes that:
- contain prescription only substances;
- contain substances that may only be sold by a pharmacist;
- contain more than 2.1% nicotine; or
- contain nicotine with a flavour other than mint.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report shops suspected of selling illegal vapes by contacting Environmental Health at 246 7766 or by emailing envhealth@gov.bm.”
“756 ‘Harmful Vapes’”
Is there another kind?
Left all those cigarettes on the shelves though, Kim.
I agree Dave, but the story was about the vapes being removed. We know the danger of smoking cigarettes. Although it seems obvious that there is danger in vaping, it is still very new and, like tobacco, the evidence will take a while to come out… and then be accepted. After all, there is money to be made. Hopefully individuals will do the research and decide for themselves that the risk to their health is worth a little discomfort when coming off tobacco.
The establishment should be named – did they receive a fine? Other than the loss of the stock/potential profits, what is the deterrent?
…devonshire and smiths…gives it away????.. ofcourse its Belvins
This nonsensical section of government is corrupt. I am so sick of this nonsense. You sell alcohol which is an actual poison and legit kills people and causes endless diseases, drunk driving, ruins families and more, yet you ban such nicotine and other products which people use to stop smoking. You even ban nicotine alternatives. Countless people who have smoked want alternatives, and you are literally causing them to go back to smoking – yet you care about health?
We are grown adults, stop treating us like babies. Whatever minister or staff is in charge of these idiotic policies needs to step down.
If you care so much about people’s health then consider banning alcohol? Oh but boo hoo you would never do that would you? Hypocrites.
Theres also the nicotine pouches like Zyns. I quite smoking by vaping, then I quit vaping using Zyns. Of course I should quit now as my only option is nicotine gum (which is used the same way pouches are) or buy a pack of Marlboros lol
How did these get through Customs in the first place?
Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre supports efforts to reduce access to all vaping products. Evidence continues to show that vaping can expose users to toxic and potentially cancer-causing chemicals while increasing the risk of nicotine addiction and lung injury. Prevention and early education matter. Learn why by booking a free LungSmart presentation for schools, workplaces, and community groups through our website.
Funny, does the Cancer and Health Centre support the reducing access to alcohol? Or does it want it sold at gas stations to be purchased by alcoholics who then drink and drive? Bermuda has one of the lowest drinking ages in the world also.
Whether you choose to be mature about this or not, vaping and nicotine pouches are helping people quick smoking. I smoked 25 years and have had a lung clot that almost killed me. Nicotine pouches are a way to stop smoking. If you cared about health then you would support pouches. Adults can be responsible and take tiny puffs off a nicotine vape. I purchased nicotine vapes and a single vape can last me months because I used it responsibly. Why treat adults like children and say we cannot use them or restrict flavors? Thats not health concern, that’s dictatorship.
“Bermuda has one of the lowest drinking ages in the world also.”
Excuse me? 18 years old is the most common minimum age for consumption of alcohol in the world. Some countries have no minimum age.
I’m on the exact same track, except I just bring in pouches myself now.
Nicotine is NOT a prohibited substance under the Misuse of Drugs (Schedule 2 Amendment) Order 2017, therefore vapes and/or pouches are not illegal to import or possess.
“Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1979, nicotine containing vapes may only be sold in registered pharmacies by licensed pharmacists, ensuring proper age verification, professional guidance, and controlled access. This safeguard exists to protect the public by preventing unregulated exposure to addictive or harmful substances and ensuring that anyone who chooses to use these products does so under appropriate oversight.
This flies straight in the face of reality. You ask and you get, simple as that. There’s no guidance or oversight, and pharmacists have FAR more important things to be doing than dispensing vapes.
Meanwhile, all manner of fake weed is sold OTC by the cashier.
Pure nanny state silliness.