A seizure of e-cigarettes worth ₹66 lakh was carried out by the Mumbai Crime Branch from a four-wheeler in Mumbai’s prime locality basis which the driver of the vehicle has been arrested. The accused, identified as Rambabu Mayaram Sahu, 33, is a resident of Ghatkopar (East), and has been booked under various sections of the law at Dongri Police Station. As per reports, the investigation is currently underway.
During their patrol on Saturday, March 4, 2023, the special cell of the Mumbai Crime Branch was checking for the smuggling of illegal liquor in Wadi Bunder area of South Mumbai when they noticed an Innova car that seemed suspicious. The police tried to stop the car, but the driver attempted to flee. However, the police managed to chase and intercept the vehicle.
Upon inspection, the police found 10 boxes of banned e-cigarettes inside the car, with each box containing 300 pieces of e-cigarettes. The seized e-cigarettes were imported from China to Uran and were then taken to Bhiwandi in a truck, from where the supplier distributed them in the city.
Police inspector Shashikant Pawar of the Property Cell stated that a case was registered against Sahu under the relevant section and he was subsequently arrested. When questioning the driver, it was discovered that the distributor was following in another car and fled the scene when the Innova was intercepted.
The Mumbai Crime Branch's Property Cell has recovered total assets worth ₹81 lakh and seized the vehicle. The e-cigarettes of different flavors have been seized in a quantity of 10 boxes, each containing 300 pieces. The police are continuing their investigation.
In India, the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act of 2019 has outlawed the use of e-cigarettes. This legislation makes it illegal to produce, manufacture, import, export, transport, sell, distribute, store, or advertise e-cigarettes. The restrictions also extend to retail outlets located in close proximity to educational institutions and medical facilities that sell such products.
Meanwhile, another raid was conducted by the police crime branch, on February 21, 2023, at a godown located in Santacruz West in Mumbai, resulting in the seizure of e-cigarettes and imported cigarettes valued at Rs 30,76,800, and the arrest of a suspect. Last week, a total of 947 e-cigarettes worth Rs 13.66 lakh were seized by the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of the Mumbai police in a series of raids carried out at four paan shops and a godown in the city. In addition, 10 individuals, including Shivkumar Tiwari, the proprietor of the famous ‘Mucchad Paanwala’ at Khetwadi in south Mumbai, were apprehended for allegedly selling electronic cigarettes.