DRI cracks down on illegal vape imports, seizes 3 lakh e-cigarettes
The DRI seized nearly 3 lakh e-cigarettes worth Rs 120 crore from an illegal smuggling network across four states.Summary
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized nearly 3,00,000 electronic cigarettes and vaping devices worth approximately Rs 120 crore in a nationwide crackdown targeting an illegal smuggling network operating across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, and West Bengal. The operation, conducted over the past few days at multiple ports, airports, and Inland Container Depots (ICDs), was launched after receiving specific intelligence inputs about suspicious import consignments. Acting on this intelligence, DRI officials identified, tracked, and intercepted multiple shipments that were mis-declared as "furniture" and "metal chair parts" to evade customs scrutiny. Investigators traced the supply chain and confirmed that all seized products originated from China. The government reiterated that electronic cigarettes and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) remain prohibited in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, which was enacted to safeguard public health.
(Source：The New Indian Express)
