News

Sale of single cigarette rolls a concern: Dr Waqainabete

July 16, 2019 4:50 pm

The increase in the sale of single cigarette rolls is a concern for the Health Ministry.

Health Minister Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says the sale of single cigarette roll is illegal and worries the ministry.

Officiating at the Tobacco Control Enforcement workshop in Nadi this morning, they’ve noticed illegal tobacco products entering the country.

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“Fiji has experienced an increase in illicit trade from sales of single cigarette rolls. We’ve seen emerging tobacco products such as shisha tobacco and other products such as e-cigarettes landed in our shore, chewing tobacco has entered Fiji through our Ports of Entry and Courier agencies, and we have seen an increased number of Counterfeit & other tobacco which does not meet the requirements of Fiji law.”

Dr. Waqainabete says the workshop will allow relevant stakeholders to work together in addressing the problem.

“Your discussion will focus on establishing strategies to ensure the strengthening of tobacco control by addressing illicit trade of tobacco products at boarder control and within, more visibility around the areas of enforcement and prosecutions and promotions on the effects of tobacco use, particularly as a barrier to global and national development.”

Police, Customs, Health Ministry and other organisations were part of the workshop.

The Health Ministry ratified the “Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products” in April to help promote information sharing and enforcement against the illicit tobacco trade.