Tuesday March 26, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) - Port authorities in Mogadishu seized a significant amount of snus tobacco, known locally as Tabuuga, late Monday afternoon.
Originating in Sweden in the early 18th century, snus is a tobacco product placed between the upper lip and the gum for prolonged periods.
Snus usually contains nicotine, which can lead to nicotine addiction.
The Somali security agency reported that the product, popular among Somali youth, was intercepted.
In the operation, officials seized a container loaded with 249 Tabuuga cartons, destined for sale in Mogadishu and other regions.
Port officials issued a statement reaffirming its stance against the importation of illegal substances through the port and the capital's airport, highlighting the negative impacts on Somali youth and the broader community.
The seized containers, filled with illegal substances and offloaded at the main port, were intercepted as local businessmen attempted to transport them from the port for distribution in Mogadishu and beyond.
The agency noted that Tabuuga is among the most detrimental drugs affecting Somali youth, impacting both males and females.
Snus sales are illegal in a number of countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and all European Union (EU) countries except Sweden. Snus is also available in the United States. Canada's high taxes on imported tobacco make obtaining snus difficult.