3 weeks ago
Banned Imported Cigarettes Worth Rs 1 Crore Seized In Delhi
Police in Delhi caught people selling cigarettes that are not allowed in India.
The cigarettes were made in another country, Indonesia.
Their packets did not have the health warnings that Indian law says every cigarette pack must carry.
Because the warnings were missing, selling them in India is against the law.
Police received a secret tip about a delivery in the Karawal Nagar area.
They set a trap and caught three men on a motorcycle who were carrying the cigarettes.
The men told police who their supplier was, and police arrested the supplier too.
Police then searched a warehouse and found many more cigarettes.
In total, they seized 282,640 cigarettes worth more than 1 crore rupees.
Police are still investigating to find where the cigarettes came from and who else may be involved.
Delhi Police seized 2,82,640 prohibited imported cigarettes worth more than Rs 1 crore from northeast Delhi.
Four people were arrested, including alleged supplier Neeraj Kapoor (55), and the motorcycle used for transport was seized.
The cigarette packets lacked mandatory statutory health warnings required under COTPA, making them prohibited for sale in India.
The operation began on August 4 after a tip-off, with three men intercepted in Shiv Vihar carrying 79 cartons of 12,640 Indonesia-made cigarettes.
A follow-up raid at a Budhpur Industrial Area warehouse recovered around 2.70 lakh more prohibited imported cigarettes.
- Who
- Delhi Police arrested Ankit (35), Vishal (28), Rahul (36) and alleged supplier Neeraj Kapoor (55).
- What
- Seizure of 2,82,640 prohibited imported cigarettes worth more than Rs 1 crore.
- Where
- Karawal Nagar, Shiv Vihar and Budhpur Industrial Area in northeast Delhi.
- When
- The operation began on August 4 after a tip-off; the alleged supplier was arrested on Wednesday.
- Why
- The cigarettes lacked mandatory statutory health warnings required under COTPA, making them prohibited for sale in India.
Key facts
- Total cigarettes seized
- 2,82,640
- Estimated value
- More than Rs 1 crore
- People arrested
- 4 (Ankit, Vishal, Rahul, Neeraj Kapoor)
- Initial recovery
- 79 cartons containing 12,640 cigarettes
- Warehouse recovery
- Around 2.70 lakh cigarettes of different brands
- Country of manufacture
- Indonesia
- Law violated
- Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA)
- Operation began
- August 4
Quotes
Senior Delhi Police officer
Delhi Police officer involved in the arrest operation
“The accused were identified as Ankit (35), Vishal (28) and Rahul (36), all residents of the Karawal Nagar area.”
NDTV
Sources
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