Illegal Tobacco and Vape Shops Targeted in India and Texas

In Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar district, five shops selling banned tobacco products were sealed following inspections by local authorities, resulting in the seizure of over 20 kg of tobacco and fines totaling ₹2 lakh. The inspections, part of an ongoing anti-narcotics initiative, targeted 18 shops near schools and colleges, with 238 shops penalized over the last eight months for similar offenses. In Texas, a coordinated raid led to the arrest of several owners of nine vape shops in Allen, which were found selling products containing illegal levels of THC, with some exceeding 15% potency, far above the legal limit of 0.3%. Meanwhile, a convenience store in Mangotsfield had its license suspended after trading standards seized 275 illegal vapes, including oversized devices that posed risks to underage users. These incidents reflect a growing crackdown on illegal tobacco and vaping products across different regions, highlighting concerns about youth access and compliance with regulations.