APRG bans sale of betel quid and cigarettes to under-19s in Taungup

By Admin 07 Nov 2026

DMG Newsroom

7 November 2026, Taungup

The Arakan People's Revolutionary Government (APRG) has issued a local order prohibiting the sale of betel quid and cigarettes to students and young people under the age of 19 in Taungup Township, Arakan State.

The order, issued in early November, warns that anyone who violates the ban will face prosecution under Section 100(a), with penalties ranging from fines of K100,000 to K300,000 or imprisonment for one to six months.

"Earlier this month, the relevant authorities came to our Station No. 6 and posted notices at betel shops, informing shop owners of the order. They warned sellers of betel quid and cigarettes not to sell these products to students and young people under 19 under any circumstances," said a resident of Lamu Village in Taungup Township.

The notice also states that students and young people under 19 who violate the order will be detained by the law enforcement police force.

Parents and guardians have welcomed the prohibition on selling betel quid and cigarettes to students and young people.

"I am very pleased to see this prohibition on betel quid and cigarettes for children and young students. Issuing an order to keep these harmful products away from young people is a good step. I also believe it is necessary to ensure that the order is strictly enforced in practice," said a parent of a student.

Amid ongoing conflict and a lack of employment opportunities, some young people have turned to betel quid chewing, smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use, prompting the Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS) to take legal action.

The use of alcohol, betel quid and cigarettes poses risks to young people's health and well-being, while drug use presents further serious long-term risks.

"What we are seeing is young students freely entering liquor shops to drink and party. They have also been able to buy cigarettes and betel quid without restriction. From there, some progress to abusing synthetic drugs. I believe timely intervention is necessary to prevent the loss and deterioration of our future human resources," said Ko Aung Lin Tun, a young resident of Taungup.

Locals said that as parents and communities face increasing difficulties in guiding young people under current conditions, oversight and enforcement by local authorities remain essential.