29 August 2006 : The trade department is roping in thromdey or town representatives in Thimphu to clamp down on the thriving tobacco black market.
More than a year after the government banned the sale of tobacco, regulating authorities said that there were many shops selling tobacco products under the counter and through other outlets.
“Despite regular inspections and monitoring, the market is thriving,” said the trade joint director, Dophu Tshering,. “We want to bring this market under control and involve as many stakeholders as possible.”
The town representatives from Taba, Dechenchholing, Motithang, Changzamtog, the Sunday market area, and Norzin lam area will help the department and the various tobacco control committees in educating and creating awareness among the public besides keeping vigilance, according to the director.
“We will develop an intelligence network for identifying black market,” he said, adding that the rule could be enforced efficiently only with the help of people.
“Turning down someone’s habit by force is difficult, but educating them will make them quit,” he added.
The trade ministry and the sub-committee of the National Level Tobacco Committee conducted a consultation meeting on Wednesday to brief and draw up responsibilities of the town representatives.
“It is an embarrassment to know that there is no dearth of tobacco products after the ban became so popular,” said a town representative. “Consumption of tobacco is against our religion and against our policy. People should be made to understand the reasons behind the ban,” he said. “If they understand the reason they will not feel that the government is not doing anything against their rights.”
