Cartels tighten grip on booming vape market after Mexico’s ban
Mexico’s ban on vapes has created a lucrative opportunity for drug cartels to expand their control over the market through intimidation and illicit sales.Summary
Following Mexico’s ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes, drug cartels are increasingly consolidating control over the vape market, employing tactics such as abduction and extortion to seize businesses. Experts like Zara Snapp of the Ría Institute argue that the ban, rather than curbing vape use, is handing the market to non-state groups due to high levels of corruption and violence. The ban, enacted despite a previous Supreme Court ruling and concerns about its proportionality, has created a legal loophole initially, but a new law now imposes severe penalties for violations. This has led to shop owners closing businesses and consumers fearing extortion. Cartels are already marking their products and sourcing directly from manufacturers, raising concerns about adulterated products. While some countries have seen mixed results with vape bans, the situation in Mexico is particularly concerning due to the established power of organized crime.
(Source：New York Post)
