Pramesh S Jain
In two separate operations,city police cracked down on the illegal sale of banned foreign cigarettes and e-cigarettes,seizing contraband worth over Rs.45 lakh and apprehending three individuals.
In the first case,Upparpet Police apprehended two persons involved in the illegal storage and sale of banned foreign cigarettes from a shop and godown in Gandhinagar.
Acting on a tip-off received on April 7,2026,Upparpet police raided premises at Tribhuvan Building on 5th Main Road within Upparpet police limits.
A total of 1,026 bundles of foreign cigarettes,valued at approximately Rs.35 lakh,were seized during the operation.
Based on the information,a case was registered under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
During interrogation,the accused revealed that the contraband was being sourced from a Delhi-based supplier and sold locally at higher prices for profit.
The two accused were later released on station bail, while efforts are underway to trace the supplier.Further investigation is ongoing.
In a separate incident,Thalaghattapura Police arrested one person for illegally selling e-cigarettes to students and the public.
Acting on credible information on April 4,police conducted a raid in an open area behind a college within their jurisdiction.
Police seized 420 e-cigarettes (Itel-type),20 e-cigarettes of another brand, 80 refill liquid bottles,a mobile phone, a car used for transportation, and ₹4,000 in cash.
The total value of the seized items is estimated at ₹10 lakh.
The accused was served notice and released on the same day,and a case has been registered.Further investigation is in progress.
