Bonjibon, a Toronto-based online shop specializing in sexual wellness products, received a surprise far beyond typical customer feedback. Instead of reviews, they began receiving returned packages – boxes of their own merchandise, accompanied by official correspondence from the Pentagon.
The unusual deliveries started in September, originating from a U.S. naval base in Bahrain. Co-founder Grace Bennett discovered the letters detailed a rather specific complaint: American soldiers stationed in Bahrain had been ordering “spicy toys” from Bonjibon, items strictly prohibited by local law.
One letter, bearing the seal of the U.S. Department of Defence and referencing the Kingdom of Bahrain, expressed displeasure that service members were circumventing local regulations. Bennett was stunned, admitting she hadn’t realized her products were reaching a location with such strict prohibitions.
While Bonjibon ships internationally, including to some military bases, direct shipments to Bahrain are avoided due to the country’s import laws. Bennett suspects the packages were forwarded to personnel stationed there, bypassing the company’s direct shipping restrictions.
The returned packages weren’t empty. They contained the original items, along with a formal notification from the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. The letter explicitly stated that “pornographic materials and or devices” had been identified during a security screening by Bahrain Customs.
Bahraini law considers the importation of such items a serious offense, subject to confiscation and even prosecution. The letter served as a warning, requesting Bonjibon be informed to cease sending prohibited goods to the region.
Bennett playfully revealed the specific items causing the international stir: a butt plug and a Bullet vibrator. She then took to social media to issue a direct message to any U.S. military personnel considering future purchases.
The Pentagon’s documentation categorized these items not as mere recreational products, but as posing “an immediate danger to life or limb or an immediate and substantial danger to property.” A stark assessment for a little bit of fun.
Bennett’s final message was clear: “This is for all the American soldiers who are stationed overseas, specifically ones stationed in countries where good vibes might be illegal. You cannot order from Bonjibon.” The company now has a unique understanding of the global landscape of pleasure and prohibition.
