DRI Busts Vape Smuggling Network, Seizes Nearly 3 Lakh Illegal E-Cigarettes Worth Over Rs 120 Crore

Authorities said strict action will continue against individuals and organizations involved in the illegal import, storage, transportation and sale of prohibited vaping products across the country.

In a major nationwide enforcement operation against the illegal import of prohibited nicotine products, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered a large-scale e-cigarette and vape smuggling racket operating through multiple ports, airports and Inland Container Depots (ICDs) across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi and West Bengal.

The coordinated crackdown, carried out over the past few days, led to the seizure of nearly three lakh electronic cigarettes and vape devices of different brands, flavours and specifications with an estimated market value exceeding Rs 120 crore. Officials described the operation as one of the biggest anti-vape seizures in recent years.

According to the DRI, the action was initiated based on specific intelligence inputs indicating attempts to smuggle prohibited electronic nicotine products into India through mis-declared import consignments. Investigators closely monitored suspicious cargo movements and tracked multiple shipments arriving at different customs points across the country.

During detailed inspections, officials discovered that the consignments had been deliberately misdeclared in import documents to evade customs scrutiny and avoid detection by enforcement agencies. The prohibited e-cigarettes were allegedly concealed within shipments falsely labelled as items such as "Furniture" and "Metal Chair Parts."

Investigators found that in all identified cases, the electronic cigarettes and vape products had originated from China before being illegally routed into India through deceptive import practices. Authorities believe the syndicate had established a sophisticated network involving concealment techniques, falsified declarations and coordinated logistics arrangements to bypass import restrictions.

Officials stated that the seized products included a wide range of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), disposable vapes and flavoured electronic smoking devices that are prohibited under Indian law.

Electronic cigarettes and related nicotine delivery devices are banned in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019. The law was enacted to safeguard public health and prevent the growing use of nicotine-based vaping products, especially among young people.

Government authorities have repeatedly expressed concern over the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes among adolescents and young adults, citing health risks associated with nicotine addiction and the long-term impact of vaping products on respiratory and cardiovascular health.

The DRI stated that the latest seizures highlight the persistent attempts by international smuggling syndicates and illegal distributors to exploit India's growing consumer market despite the nationwide ban. Officials noted that smugglers are increasingly using sophisticated concealment methods and false cargo declarations to illegally bring prohibited products into the country.

Enforcement agencies are now conducting further investigations to identify the entire supply chain, including importers, distributors, financiers and local networks involved in the illegal trade. Authorities are also examining the possibility of links between the seized consignments and organized cross-border smuggling syndicates operating through international trade routes.

Officials indicated that the crackdown forms part of broader nationwide efforts to strengthen customs enforcement and prevent the illegal entry of prohibited goods through ports and cargo terminals. Increased surveillance, risk profiling and intelligence-based targeting are being used by agencies to identify suspicious imports and strengthen border controls.

Public health experts have welcomed the enforcement action, stating that illegal vaping products pose significant risks because many imported devices contain unregulated chemicals, high nicotine concentrations and unsafe additives. Experts have also warned that attractive flavours and aggressive online marketing often target younger consumers, increasing the risk of nicotine dependence among youth.

The Government has consistently maintained that the prohibition on electronic cigarettes is intended to protect public health, discourage nicotine addiction and prevent the emergence of new forms of substance abuse among vulnerable populations.

Authorities said strict action will continue against individuals and organizations involved in the illegal import, storage, transportation and sale of prohibited vaping products across the country.