The Pune unit of the customs department recently seized foreign-brand cigarettes and electronic cigarettes that were illegally smuggled into India from China and other countries.
Acting on specific intelligence, officers of the Headquarters Preventive Unit, Pune Customs searched a group of shops and associated godowns at Kothrud, Baner, and on Sinhagad Road in Pune on May 19.
During the searches, sleuths of the customs department seized foreign-brand cigarettes and electronic cigarettes worth Rs 51 lakh. Officials said the seized material was illegally smuggled into India from various countries like China, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the UAE.
An official said, “The seized foreign-brand cigarettes include those from well-known brands such as Esse Lights, Manchester, B&H, Camel, Davidoff, Mond, 555, Marlboro, Dunhill, etc. The e-cigarettes seized are from brands like Thanos, Elfcar, Youto, Caliburn, Smok, Fumo, and Jull. The seized e-cigarettes are exclusively manufactured and imported from China.”
According to the customs department, Pune City has seen a rise in the number of shops selling a range of products from cigarettes, cigars, and different types of tobacco to electronic cigarettes (also called vapes), hookah, and required accessories, which are imported illegally in violation of domestic laws.
“Currently, the investigation is ongoing and various aspects relating to the import/smuggling channels, people involved and sources of funding are being looked into to unearth the entire chain of this activity,” an officer said.