The Office of the Attorney General said the facilitation of import of tobacco and tobacco products in the present situation is lawful as it is an interim measure. Bhutan Duty-Free sells the tobacco and tobacco products to curb the black market and control smuggling which might transmit COVID-19.
Attorney General Lungten Dubgyur also said there is no need for any urgent parliament session or amendment at this time:
“The sale of tobacco through the outlet is a purely interim measure which is deemed, lawful and it doesn’t violate and it should not be argued that it contravenes the constitution. Because across the globe, executive orders are being issued to respond to the emerging situation and exigencies purposes.”
Following the allegations of overriding the tobacco Act, the Finance Minister said that protecting the country is important as rampant smuggling is happening along the border area which might transmit COVID-19 in the country. Lyonpo said, as much as “we need to respect the Act, we need to equally explore means in the present situation. if we don’t initiate such initiative, the prevention measures that are in place at borders might go into waste.”
And Minister said that the Tobacco Control Act is expected to be tabled in the upcoming session for amendment. There are some 250 cases who illegally smuggled tobacco and drugs since March.
Bhutan Duty-Free Limited’s tobacco quota outlets sell tobacco and tobacco products as per the permissible quantity per month.
Tshering Zam
