The Aruba Police Force (KPA), in collaboration with the Santa Cruz Community Police, the Permits Department Police (SBV), and Uniformed Police, has launched a new initiative focused on monitoring and raising awareness about the sale of vapes to minors. This project comes in response to growing concerns about the health risks vaping poses to young people.
The primary goal is to educate shop owners about the laws governing the sale of vape products. According to the law, it is strictly prohibited to sell vapes to anyone under the age of 21. It is also illegal for individuals under 21 to use these products.
As part of a broader prevention strategy, the Department of Public Health (DVG) and the Aruba Anti-Drug Foundation (FADA) have joined the initiative to support both enforcement and awareness efforts.
Over the weekend, joint inspections were carried out at several businesses in the Santa Cruz district. Representatives from the police, DVG, and FADA visited various establishments to conduct checks and inform vendors about the legal and health-related consequences of selling vapes to individuals under 21.
Each department used the opportunity to explain the penalties for non-compliance and emphasized the reasoning behind these laws, which fall under the Tobacco Control Ordinance (Landsverordening Beperking Tabaksproducten). Vendors were also reminded that both the sale and use of vapes by individuals under 21 are prohibited.
Authorities have observed that vaping is becoming a growing trend among youth. During school visits, officials noted that the issue is prevalent and that many young people are found in possession of vapes.
KPA, DVG, and FADA are committed to prevention through education. During school presentations, they actively inform students about the short- and long-term health risks associated with vaping. Parents are urged to remain vigilant and engage in conversations with their children about the dangers of vaping.
This is only the beginning. KPA plans to continue these enforcement efforts in other neighborhoods and districts across Aruba.
Remember: The sale and use of vape products is prohibited for anyone under 21!
