SMC seizes e-cigarettes from South Bopal pan parlour, probe ordered into alleged protection racket

A major haul of prohibited e-cigarettes from a pan parlour in South Bopal has triggered a wider probe after preliminary findings reportedly indicated the involvement of a local police-linked intermediary allegedly providing protection to retailers engaged in the sale of banned vaping products.

The State Monitoring Cell (SMC) conducted a raid at Ashok Pan Parlour, located in Sun South Park in South Bopal, and seized a substantial quantity of e-cigarettes and refill cartridges. During the operation, police recovered 42 vaping devices and refills valued at ₹ 1.26 lakh, along with a mobile phone worth ₹ 50,000 and cash amounting to ₹ 13,540. The total value of the seized property was estimated at ₹ 1.89 lakh.

Police arrested Harshil Prashantbhai Shah, a resident of Imperial Siddhipriya in the Bopal-Ghuma area, in connection with the case. During interrogation, Shah allegedly disclosed that the prohibited products were being supplied by two individuals identified as Vicky Marwadi of Jivraj Park and Tahir of Kalupur, both of whom have been named as wanted accused.

According to sources familiar with the investigation, SMC officials have uncovered leads suggesting that a man identified as Rohit, allegedly acting as a local “administrator” with influence over policing matters in parts of Ahmedabad Rural, may have facilitated the sale of e-cigarettes by providing protection to operators of several pan shops in South Bopal and Shela.

Investigators suspect that the alleged protection network enabled retailers to openly stock and sell banned vaping products without fear of action from local enforcement agencies. Sources further claimed that despite receiving intelligence inputs regarding the illegal trade, local agencies had allegedly failed to carry out significant raids over the past year to eighteen months.

The alleged links between suppliers, retailers and individuals suspected of facilitating protection have prompted senior authorities in Gandhinagar to order a detailed inquiry. Officials are expected to examine whether any lapses or collusion contributed to the continued sale of prohibited e-cigarettes in the area.

The raid was conducted by a team led by A.J. Chauhan, Police Inspector, State Monitoring Cell, Gandhinagar. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019.

Officials said further investigation is underway to trace the supply chain, identify additional distributors, and verify allegations regarding the protection racket. No official statement has yet been issued regarding the alleged involvement of any police-linked intermediary.