Crime Branch Unravels Cigarette Racket Lacking Health Warnings

The crime branch has busted a cigarette racket in Delhi that supplied products without mandatory health warnings. Two individuals, Uvaish Siddiqui and Abdul Kalam, were arrested with a consignment of cigarettes, including foreign brands, valued at Rs 12.5 lakh. A total of 3,215 packets were seized.

The crime branch has successfully dismantled an illicit cigarette distribution network operating in Delhi. This racket was supplying cigarettes devoid of the necessary health warnings, contravening the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).

The operation culminated in the arrest of two individuals, Uvaish Siddiqui and Abdul Kalam, from Bawana. These arrests were made after a calculated raid was conducted in the Farash Khana area, spurred by credible intelligence received by the police.

Police intercepted the suspects, who were transporting cartons of cigarettes. Upon further investigation, authorities discovered a stash of 3,215 packets, encompassing 64,300 cigarette sticks, including premium foreign brands, valued at approximately Rs 12.5 lakh.

(With inputs from agencies.)