Delhi Police busts illicit cigarette racket, seizes 94,000 packets; 2 arrested

The Delhi Police's Operations Cell, South-West District, has successfully busted a large-scale illicit cigarette distribution network, seizing 94,000 packets of foreign-origin cigarettes and arresting two individuals involved. The operation, part of a special drive against illegal tobacco products, aims to make Delhi a tobacco- and drug-free region.

The seized cigarettes, imported illegally from countries like Greece and Dubai, were found without mandatory statutory health warnings or Maximum Retail Price (MRP), a clear violation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) of 2003. The accused have been identified as Parikshit (22), the owner of the godown in Vasant Kunj, and PP Chengappa (40) from Kodagu, Karnataka. The consignment was intended for distribution across Delhi-NCR and parts of South India.

Acting on a specific input received on June 27, the Operations Cell team swiftly raided a basement warehouse in Nangal Dewat, Vasant Kunj, where the large stockpile of illicit tobacco products was stored. Various brands including L&B Original Silver, King Size Mayfair, and Richmond King Size were recovered during the raid.

A case has been registered at Vasant Kunj South Police Station under relevant sections of the COTPA Act. Both accused are currently in custody, and further investigation is underway to identify the broader network and trace the entire supply chain of these illegal imports. Police officials affirmed their commitment to dismantling such rackets that pose a significant threat to public health.