Ahmedabad police crack down on illegal e-cigarette trade, seize goods worth ₹9.34 lakh

In a major crackdown on the illegal sale of e-cigarettes and vaping devices, the State Monitoring Cell conducted raids at multiple locations in the city, seizing a large quantity of contraband and arresting three individuals.

The operation, carried out under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act 2019, led to the confiscation of 489 e-cigarettes and refills worth ₹9.11 lakh, in addition to cash and mobile phones.

The raid took place at Gandhi Road, Arihant Gift and Key Chain Shop in Kalupur, under the jurisdiction of Kalupur Police Station, Ahmedabad City.

The seized contraband includes E-Cigarettes & Vaping Refills: 489 pieces worth ₹9.11lakh, Cash: ₹7,980, Mobile Phones: 3 units worth ₹15,000. A total seizure of ₹9.34lakh

Officials arrested three accused of the case, while eleven ran. Three accused were apprehended and handed over to Kalupur Police Station for further investigation. The arrested individuals were identified as– 

Manoj Kumarji, a resident of Meghaninagar who is the main accused, had been involved in a similar case a year ago.

Bharatji Bharathuji Darbar, resident Mehsana district. Employed at a warehouse handling the illegal stock.

Rakesh Bhimaram Lakhara, a resident of Kubernagar, Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad, was also working at the warehouse.

However, the police are still on the lookout for eleven other suspects connected to the racket. The list of wanted individuals includes:

1. Moin – Allegedly supplies e-cigarettes from Mumbai.

2. Karan – Owner of DK Pan House at Ahmedabad Airport.

3. Prakashbhai aka Pintubhai – Supplier from China Market, Gandhi Road.

4. Sultan – Resident of Santrampur.

5. Azim Shaikh – Resident of Panch Khadki, Kalupur.

6. Riyan aka Jay Bhole  – Resident of Kubernagar, Ahmedabad.

7. Prince Pan Parlor – Operates from Judges Bungalows, Satellite, Ahmedabad.

8. Jai Khalas – Resident of Ghi Kanta, Ahmedabad.

9. Jasmin Patel – Resident of Judges Bungalows, Satellite, Ahmedabad.

10. Kush Thakkar – Owner of Mr. Sutta Pan Parlour, P.D.P.U., Gandhinagar.

11. Pawan Pan Parlour – Located in Wadali, Sabarkantha, accused of sourcing e-cigarettes.