Bengaluru still sees vape use despite ban, seizures

Bengaluru: Over the last three years, Bengaluru City Police have booked 109 cases involving the use of e-cigarettes in the city. In 2026, 15 cases were reported in just the first four months, indicating that the use of vapes or e-cigarettes remains common despite the ban.

A recent survey by LocalCircles, a community social media platform, echoed this trend. Of the 2,524 participants surveyed, nearly 13% said they had witnessed the use of vapes near their residence or workplace every day. Another 13% said they saw such instances every week, while 9% said they had witnessed them once a month.

While survey participants said they had seen vaping at various public places, Bengaluru City Police officials told DH that strict enforcement and vigilance act as a deterrent against the use of vapes in open spaces. “We have seized e-cigarettes many times over the last few years and have acted on complaints. However, it is not very rampant now,” Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh told DH.

Survey participants said they had mostly come across such instances at private parties (44%), near corporate offices (46%), and in restaurants or clubs (37%). However, senior police officers said they had raided such places whenever complaints were received. Police officials said they mostly depend on complaints to act in such cases, and corruption at lower levels has meant that many clubs offering such services escape action. “Though they operate similarly to drug networks, they are not as easily accessible. Hence, we have to depend on intelligence and complaints to crack down on such cases,” a senior police officer told DH.

However, nearly 31% of respondents said they had seen instances of vaping on streets, while 21% said it was common near colleges and schools. Parents too echoed concerns. “Recently, we heard that many such e-cigarettes were confiscated from children at a well-known school in the city. They were found during a surprise check of students’ bags. This is concerning. The police should keep a close watch and ensure that such sales networks are cracked down on,” said Sapna, name changed, parent of a 12-year-old.

Senior police officials with the Central Crime Branch told DH that those operating such networks usually target specific places and areas. “They operate close to schools and colleges or in posh areas. They know where the potential users are and are very careful to ensure that they supply only to those with known references,” a senior police officer said.

Vapes or e-cigarettes are mostly sold in the black market by being projected as a safer alternative to cigarettes. However, experts said that most e-cigarettes contain propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, which are toxic. “They also produce other harmful substances that can cause lung and heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),” a study by NIMHANS has warned.