Windhoek: The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) has raised concerns over the growing sale of electronic cigarettes (vapes) and alcohol to minors, citing legal loopholes that hinder enforcement efforts.
According to Namibia Press Agency, NamPol Inspector General Joseph Shikongo explained that the Tobacco Products Control Act (Act 1 of 2010) does not currently regulate emerging nicotine products such as vapes, noting that this gap in legislation has made it difficult for law enforcement to take action against vendors targeting underage consumers. ‘As custodian of the Act, the Ministry of Health and Social Services is working to amend the law to include these emerging products. Once amended, enforcement will be mandated,’ Shikongo stated.
Despite these limitations, NamPol continues to conduct random spot checks and undercover operations in collaboration with the Namibia Revenue Agency, Environmental Health Practitioners, and local authorities to monitor compliance with existing tobacco laws.
Shikongo also highlighted NamPol’s role in enforcing the Liquor Act (Act 6 of 1998), which prohibits the sale of alcohol to individuals under the age of 18. Offenders face arrest, prosecution, and possible confiscation of products.
Meanwhile, Chief Economist for Commerce in the Ministry of Industries, Mines, and Energy, John Chombo, emphasised that trading in alcohol without a licence and selling to minors are punishable offences. He warned that repeated violations could result in licence revocation or disqualification from future trading. ‘The ministry has trained inspectors and established regional liquor licensing committees across all 14 regions to strengthen surveillance and ensure compliance with the Liquor Act and its regulations,’ Chombo said.
Chombo urged vendors to stop selling alcohol to minors immediately, warning that violators will face legal consequences. Shikongo added that the police also rely on public reports to track violations and encouraged citizens to report incidents to their nearest police stations.