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Taking a major action against the illegal foreign cigarette trade in the capital, Delhi Crime Branch has conducted a raid in Chawri Bazar area and recovered banned foreign cigarettes worth about Rs 15 lakh. Police have arrested two accused from the spot, who were running the network of supply of foreign cigarettes in Delhi for a long time.

Raid on Nayabans Road

On the basis of secret information, the Crime Branch team raided Nayabans Road located in Chawdi Bazaar. During the operation, police seized a total of 1,53,840 foreign cigarettes. These include international brands like Esse Light White, Esse Light Gold and Mond.

According to the police, the health warnings prescribed by the Government of India were not printed on the seized cigarette packets, which is a violation of the law. On this basis, a case was registered and action was taken.

two accused arrested

Mohammad Tausif (44), resident of Gagan Vihar, Shahdara.

Junaid Ahmed (35), resident of Darbhanga, Bihar

During interrogation it was revealed that these foreign cigarettes were imported from Thailand, Cambodia and China. After this, they were supplied at wholesale and retail level in different areas of Delhi.

Case registered under COTPA Act

Crime Branch has filed FIR No. against the accused. A case has been registered under relevant sections of COTPA Act under 117/2026. The police is now busy investigating other people and the supply chain associated with this entire network.

Police officials say that illegal foreign cigarette trade not only promotes tax evasion, but tobacco products without health warnings are also a serious threat to people’s health.