Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Directorate Issues Public Warning on Illegal Nicotine Pouches
The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Drugs Control has issued a critical public health advisory, strongly cautioning citizens against the purchase, sale, or consumption of oral nicotine pouches that are being sold illegally through various online platforms. In an official letter released by the joint director of drugs control, these products have been declared unapproved, lacking any established safety, efficacy, or quality standards.
Health Risks and Misuse Warnings
The directorate explicitly warned the public against using these nicotine pouches as a method to quit smoking, gutkha, or tobacco chewing, or to alleviate nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The notice detailed that these pouches deliver nicotine—a pharmacologically active and addictive substance—directly into the bloodstream through absorption via the cheek lining.
Uncontrolled use poses significant dangers, as the concentrated nicotine in these pouches can exceed the amount found in a single cigarette and includes unknown additives. This combination may lead to worse health risks due to higher overall nicotine intake, potentially increasing addiction and adverse effects.
Specific Products and Platforms Identified
The warning, issued on Wednesday, specifically named several brands and e-commerce sites involved in the illegal trade. The public is urged to refrain from using products sold under brand names such as Swag Slim White Minto Nicotine Pouch, WG White Gold Strong Massive Mint Nicotine Pouch, Daze Tropical Mist Nicotine Pouch, Icey Mint Nicotine Pouch, and Whyte Mango Strong.
These items are being sold through online marketplaces including Amazon, Buydaze, World of Nicotine, and Dholakia Tobacco. The directorate has directed all manufacturers, retailers, online marketplace operators, distributors, hospitals, and pharmacies within the state to immediately cease manufacturing, stocking, exhibiting, or offering these products for sale.
Regulatory Actions and Show-Cause Notices
In a firm regulatory move, the Directorate of Drugs Control has issued a show-cause notice to Amazon Seller Services based in Bengaluru for alleged violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Additionally, notices have been sent to various dealers across India, including RR Impex in Delhi, Daze India in Uttar Pradesh (which operates Buydaze), Arthian Organic (OPC) Private Limited, and Dholakia Tobacco Pvt Ltd in Gujarat.
These entities are accused of selling the drug without the requisite licenses and for marketing unapproved drugs, highlighting a widespread issue of non-compliance with pharmaceutical regulations.
Activist Concerns and Calls for Ban
Health activists are amplifying the warning, demanding an immediate ban on these products. S Cyril Alexander, state convener of the Tamil Nadu People's Forum for Tobacco Control, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, "For treatment purposes, only 2mg of nicotine is typically prescribed. These pouches contain up to 50mg of nicotine and are being sold without any permission. There is a concerning trend where teens are upgrading themselves from chewable tobacco to these highly potent nicotine pouches, exacerbating public health risks."
This comprehensive advisory underscores the urgent need for public awareness and strict enforcement to curb the illegal sale and use of these hazardous nicotine products in Tamil Nadu and beyond.
