Mumbai: The Crime Branch Unit-6 of the Mumbai Police has seized banned electronic cigarettes worth approximately Rs 25.50 lakh from a warehouse located in Kurla West. In connection with the case, the police have arrested an individual, registered an FIR, and initiated further investigation.
Unit-6 Cracks Down on Illegal E-Cigarette Stockpile in Kurla
According to the police, Senior Inspector Bharat Ghone of Crime Branch Unit-6 received a tip-off that a large quantity of e-cigarettes—banned by the government—was being illegally stored in a warehouse at Makadwala Compound in Kurla West. Acting on the information, a team from Unit-6 conducted a raid and arrested Ubed Mohammed Salim Shaikh, 31, at the site.
1,844 Boxes of E-Cigs, Parts, and Kits Recovered
The police seized a total of 1,844 boxes from the warehouse, containing e-cigarettes, parts, and rechargeable kits from various companies. The total value of the seized items is estimated at Rs 25.50 lakh.
FIR Registered Under Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019
An FIR has been registered against the accused at Vinoba Bhave Nagar Police Station under Section 8 of the Electronic Cigarettes (Prohibition of Production, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019. It is noteworthy that the Government of India imposed a complete ban on e-cigarettes under this Act in 2019.
Probe Widened to Trace Supply Chain and Other Accused
According to police sources, the scope of the investigation is now being expanded to trace the supply chain and identify other suspects involved in the case.
