A Toronto-based sex shop owner is still laughing, and shaking her head, after receiving not one but two official letters from the U.S. military, all because a couple of “spicy” items ended up on a U.S. Navy base in Bahrain, where sex toys are illegal.
Grace Bennett, founder of the online sex shop Bonjibon, recently shared the bizarre experience with her followers on Instagram, revealing that her small Canadian business had somehow landed in the crosshairs of the U.S. Department of Defense. The reason: a butt plug and a bullet vibrator that were flagged during mail screening at a Navy facility in the conservative Persian Gulf nation.
“I got two signed letters from the Department of Defense on behalf of the Kingdom of Bahrain . . . mad that their soldiers ordered spicy toys from my business,” Toronto’s Grace Bennett, owner of online sex shop Bonjibon, said on Instagram.
According to Bennett, she had no idea the items were destined for Bahrain, where pornography and adult devices are strictly prohibited under local law. She believes the products were likely shipped to a U.S. address and then forwarded to American service members stationed overseas.
The official correspondence, sent from a U.S. Navy base in Bahrain, did not mince words. With the subject line “adult item identified during x-ray mail screening,” the letter warned that “pornographic materials or devices are not allowed into the Kingdom of Bahrain.” The confiscated items were returned to Bennett along with the notice.
“They literally categorize these goods as posing an immediate danger to life or limb, or an immediate and substantial danger to property,” she laughed, reading from the Pentagon’s letter.
Bahrain is known for its conservative social norms, despite its reputation as one of the more liberal countries in the Gulf. Even so, adult products remain illegal. The country made international headlines in 2012 when protesters criticized Kim Kardashian during her visit to promote a milkshake business, labeling her a “porn star.”
In response to the incident, Bennett made it clear that Bonjibon will not be shipping to troops stationed in countries where such items are banned.
“For all American soldiers who are stationed overseas, specifically ones stationed in countries where good vibes might be illegal, you cannot order from Bonjibon,” Bennett said of her business.
Rather than toss the letters aside, Bennett leaned into the absurdity of the situation. She proudly displayed the official documents in her office, framed in bedazzled frames, calling the mishap one of the funniest moments since launching her business.
“I’m so sorry for soldiers overseas,” she added at the end of her video. “I know it’s a long and lonely journey. We cannot go on this journey with you.”
Unsurprisingly, social media users had plenty to say. The comment section quickly filled with jokes, questions and thoughtful reminders about who uses sex toys and why.
“Hold on — so the soldiers buying B-plugs?” one commenter asked.
Another quickly responded, “I can’t tell whether you forget women can be soldiers too, or that the male G-spot is found easiest through the back door. Either way, butt plugs can be great for everyone.”
Others pointed out that spouses and partners of deployed service members may also be living on or near the base. “Wives are stationed there as well,” one commenter wrote. “And we deserve a fun time while our spouses are away.”
While the situation may be humorous, it also highlights the cultural and legal challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people, women and sexually open individuals living or working in countries with strict moral codes. For Bennett, the takeaway is simple: know the rules, and don’t assume a discreet package will slip through unnoticed.
As for the confiscated toys, they’re back in Canada, and immortalized as part of Bonjibon lore.
