Cartels tighten grip on booming vape market after Mexico’s ban

MEXICO CITY — When a drug cartel came calling at a store selling vapes in northern Mexico, the owners knew they were powerless.

The cartel abducted two employees, blindfolded them and demanded to speak with their bosses. The cartel said it was seizing the store, which would only be allowed to sell online outside the state.

“They don’t come asking whether you want to (give them your business) or not, they come telling you what’s about to happen,” one of the owners, now 27 and living in the United States, said on the condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisal.

Drug cartels are consolidating control over the vape market following Mexico’s ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes. AP

That was in early 2022, when vapes were