Combating Illicit Tobacco Trade: A Unified Effort by IPM India

IPM India, the Indian affiliate of Philip Morris International, underlines its commitment to countering the illicit tobacco trade, which poses a significant threat to India's economy and consumers. Through partnerships, intelligence sharing, and enforcement collaboration, IPM India aims to protect the legitimate market and curb illegal activities in the tobacco sector.

On this Independence Day, IPM India, the Indian arm of Philip Morris International (PMI), reaffirmed its dedication to combating the illicit tobacco trade to bolster India's economy and safeguard consumers. This global challenge is addressed through research, intelligence, and strategic collaborations.

As per recent reports, the illicit cigarette market in India has surged, accounting for significant economic losses. Law enforcement agencies have conducted major seizures across the country, including 11 lakh sticks in Guwahati, 21 lakh in Visakhapatnam, and over 103 lakh in Vijayawada, among other cities. Such efforts highlight the scale of the illegal trade.

Navaneel Kar, Managing Director of IPM India, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and advanced technologies to combat this menace. India stands on the brink of becoming an economic powerhouse, and eliminating illicit trade is crucial for this ascension. IPM India continues to work closely with law enforcement and leverages technologies like track-and-trace systems to detect counterfeit products.