U.S. Pentagon Requests Toronto Shop Halt Shipments to Naval Base

The U.S. Department of War has asked a Toronto-based sex toy retailer to cease shipments of adult items to a naval base in Bahrain. The request follows the discovery of two letters addressed to the store, Bonjibon, which were found in boxes of returned products. According to Grace Bennett, co-founder of the store, the letters were sent over a one-month period during the summer of 2025.

Bennett revealed that the communication from the Pentagon indicated dissatisfaction with military personnel ordering such items, noting that the products are illegal in Bahrain. She shared this information on social media in late September, stating that the Pentagon expressed frustration over soldiers obtaining “spicy toys” from her business.

Despite the Pentagon’s requests, Bennett clarified that her company does not ship directly to Bahrain. Bonjibon, which offers a range of products including vibrators, dildos, and lubricants, primarily serves customers in Canada, the United States, South America, Europe, and Asia. In its early days, the shop offered worldwide shipping but has since limited its distribution channels.

Bennett acknowledged that Bonjibon does send items to military bases, but she suspects packages were inadvertently forwarded to personnel stationed in Bahrain. Her company refrains from shipping to that region due to strict import restrictions on adult products. She noted that U.S. tariffs have already posed challenges, leading to delays and returns at the border, with some packages arriving opened.

The letters from the Pentagon, sent by the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, were explicitly addressed to military members and informed them that during customs checks, “pornographic materials and or devices were identified.” The letter concluded by alerting the recipient that the package had been returned due to Bahrain’s prohibition on such items.

Bennett described her team’s reaction to receiving the letters as lighthearted, stating, “We don’t judge. We want everyone to order whatever they want and feel confident shopping for whatever they desire.” In a humorous turn, she decided to frame the letters, displaying them in her company’s offices in Toronto and British Columbia.

This incident highlights ongoing complexities in the shipping and distribution of adult products internationally, particularly in regions with stringent regulations. As businesses navigate these challenges, the response from the Pentagon serves as a reminder of the cultural sensitivities and legal frameworks surrounding such items in different countries.