The Lao Ministry of Health, with support from WHO and Meta, has shut down 288 online e‑cigarette stores that together had more than 759,000 members, stepping up enforcement of the country’s 2021 ban on vaping products.

Officials hailed the operation as a public health victory. “Digital platforms must not become safe spaces for harmful products,” said Dr. Timothy Armstrong, WHO Representative to Lao PDR. “We are proud that these recent efforts have significantly reduced the visibility and availability of these products.”

But industry representatives and critics caution that the move leaves consumers without regulated options. They argue the crackdown risks driving demand into the shadows, where adult users may turn to unregulated black‑market channels and where product quality and safety cannot be guaranteed.

This article was adapted from an original report published on tobaccoreporter.com. All rights belong to the original publisher.