Qatar daily The Peninsula reported that the Criminal Court Department of the Court of First Instance has issued a number of rulings against suppliers and smokers of electronic cigarettes (also called as vapes), which was bought illegally into the country.

Some violators were sentenced to prison and many fined. Shipments seized from suppliers were confiscated by authorities, Arabic daily Al Sharq said in a report.

The court is putting pressure on electronic cigarette dealers and smokers as it is a health hazard and not legal to use in Qatar. These products could destroy brain and lung cells and lead to heart attack and chest infections. Studies have proved electronic cigarettes are no less toxic than conventional cigarettes.

The courts have also tightened penalties for other types of tobacco like ‘tumbaku’ (chewing tobacco) and ‘swaika’.

According to the law, promoters and suppliers of electronic cigarette are also penalised. The report quoted lawyer Manaa Nasser Saleh as saying that electronic shisha and cigarettes contain toxic substances that could cause severe danger to human body, especially to the respiratory system.

He pointed out that the country has taken various initiatives including 100% increase in tax on tobacco products, which has reduced cigarette consumption. Millions of riyals are spent on health and therapeutic sector to combat diseases that result from the harmful effects of smoking.

What are your thoughts about this news? Would you cut your usage of cigarettes after hearing about its adverse effects to one's health? Let us know by dropping a line in the comments and also, don't forget to like and share this article—it keeps us going!

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar

Sonkie

Content writer

Start a discussion