Bhutanese monk to be charged under the anti-smoking law
January 31st, 2011 - 10:08 pm ICT by Aishwarya BhattThimpu, Jan 31 (THAINDIAN NEWS) A Bhutanese monk has become the first person to be charged with the new anti smoking law in the country.
Bhutan wants to become the first smoke-free country in the world as subsequently enacted a law at the beginning of the year that greatly limited the number of cigarettes that can be lighted in the nation. The country believes that smoking is not good for a person’s karma.
The monk was found with 72 packets of chewing tobacco and subsequently the police have charged him with consuming and smuggling contraband tobacco.
Local newspapers say the man could face up to 5 years, if he is found guilty of the charge which is a fourth felony charge. The police under the new law are mandated to search a person or his house on suspicion that the person is having contraband tobacco. In order to defend one’s self a person must show the receipt of the tobacco’s purchase.
The sale of tobacco was initially banned in 2005, but changes in the law means that consumers can only enjoy 200 cigarettes every month. The smoker must have a valid custom receipt when the police demand it.
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Tags: 200 cigarettes, bhutan, chewing tobacco, consumers, felony charge, first person, local newspapers, monk, receipt, smoker, smoking law, suspicion