Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Gambian law enforcement launched a major operation this weekend in the Senegambia tourism development area, targeting illegal tobacco sales points and the rising phenomenon of vaping shisha, which has gained traction among the youth.

The specialized task force for the operation comprised agents from the Tobacco Control Unit of the Ministry of Health, officers of the police, the Gambia Revenue Authority, public health officials, and the National Environment Agency.

This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to curb tobacco use and enforce national laws prohibiting smoking in public spaces. The crackdown, which included coordinated raids and searches of nightlife venues in urban areas like Senegambia village, aims to address growing health concerns linked to shisha smoking.

During the operation, officials seized substantial quantities of shisha gas and tobacco products, which were found to be distributed without proper regulatory compliance.

Shisha smoking, which has become a staple in tourist-oriented establishments and nightlife hubs, poses a significant challenge for authorities.

Health Minister Dr. Ahmadou Samateh highlighted the gravity of the issue in a recent statement, citing alarming statistics that reveal 16% of Gambians aged 15 and above smoke cigarettes. Among the youth aged 12 to 20, 8.4% use shisha, while 11% of children aged 13 to 15 use tobacco products, with 9.2% smoking tobacco and 7% smoking cigarettes.

“This trend is deeply concerning,” Dr. Samateh noted. “We must remain vigilant in enforcing laws to protect our population, particularly the youth.”

While specific details of those apprehended remain undisclosed, police confirmed the operation was part of a broader campaign to enforce tobacco-related laws, including regulations on shisha.

The Head of Enforcement, Tobacco Control Act 2016, Commissioner Pa Samba Bojang, said the law will take its course. “I know some of them will be prosecuted because the obstruction of a police officer in the execution of his duties is an offense. I am going to say particularly, at The Village, we went there; they were truly denying us entry,” Commissioner Bojang said.

The Gambia has maintained a strict anti-tobacco policy since a 2018 nationwide ban outlawed the production, importation, and distribution of tobacco products. These measures, alongside the 2016 Public Health Act’s prohibition of smoking in public spaces, were introduced to mitigate smoking-related diseases and promote healthier lifestyles.

However, despite the ban, shisha smoking has persisted as a growing trend, particularly among youth. Health officials warn that the substance’s widespread and often unregulated use could undermine the country’s public health gains.

The program manager for non-communicable diseases and focal person at the tobacco control unit at the Ministry of Health, Omar Badjie, spoke about why it is dangerous to smoke shisha. “Shisha, despite being marketed as a harmless tobacco product, contains a lot of chemicals in a single session of smoking it, even more harmful than cigarettes. Shisha is manufactured to disguise the danger of smoking, targeting specific users,” Badjie warned.

Authorities emphasize that such enforcement actions are crucial in combating the widespread issue of unregulated tobacco use and sales, which pose serious health risks to the community, particularly to vulnerable demographics such as youth and non-smokers.

The crackdown has sparked mixed reactions. Health advocates and parents have welcomed the government’s decisive action, emphasizing the need to shield young people from the dangers of smoking. “We can’t afford to ignore the negative impact of shisha on our youth’s health,” said a concerned parent. “This is a step in the right direction.”

Others, however, argue that the focus on shisha may overlook broader societal issues. Some business owners claim the measures disproportionately target establishments reliant on tourist patronage, calling for a more balanced approach.

Authorities have, however, pledged to continue the campaign and explore additional measures to regulate shisha use across the country.