What led to the seizure of 9,420 packets of banned foreign cigarettes in Delhi?
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Synopsis
In a bold operation by the Delhi Police, a massive seizure of over 9,420 packets of banned foreign cigarettes was made, leading to the arrest of four individuals. This high-stakes bust reveals the intricate networks involved in cigarette smuggling and raises questions about public health and safety.
Key Takeaways
- Significant seizure of over 9,420 packets of banned foreign cigarettes.
- Four individuals, including two women, were arrested in connection with the smuggling operation.
- Confiscated cigarettes were valued at approximately Rs 25.76 lakhs.
- Operation revealed a smuggling route from Myanmar via Guwahati.
- Seized packets lacked mandatory health warnings.
New Delhi, July 21 (NationPress) In a significant crackdown on the cigarette smuggling network in the national capital, the Delhi Police Crime Branch seized an extensive haul of foreign cigarette brands valued at over Rs 25 lakhs and apprehended four individuals, including two women, at the Delhi-Noida border.
The suspects were discovered smuggling banned foreign cigarettes into Delhi and the NCR region from Myanmar via Guwahati. Reports indicate that the smugglers enlisted two women as decoys to distract law enforcement.
A staggering total of 9,420 packets containing over 1.8 lakh illicit cigarettes from various international brands were confiscated. Additionally, a Mahindra Scorpio and another SUV, utilized for transporting these prohibited items, were seized.
The Crime Branch team apprehended four suspects: Mukeem, Sameer, and the two women, while they were in a Scorpio N SUV loaded with a substantial quantity of smuggled cigarettes.
This police operation was prompted by specific intelligence gathered through technical surveillance and human sources regarding the large-scale smuggling of prohibited cigarettes into Delhi.
Two men and two women were arrested at the Noida-Delhi border in a Mahindra Scorpio, along with the substantial quantity of illicit foreign cigarettes being smuggled from Myanmar.
Upon examination, it was determined that the confiscated cigarette packets were devoid of the required health warnings mandated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Market analysis estimates the value of the seized contraband at approximately Rs 25.76 lakhs.
Following their arrest, the suspects underwent rigorous questioning, during which they disclosed details of their operation, revealing that they transported prohibited cigarettes from Myanmar via Guwahati.
“Among the significant haul, 5,960 packets were from ESSE Light Company (totaling 1,19,200 prohibited cigarettes), while 3,460 packets were from Benson & Hedges Company (totaling 69,200 prohibited cigarettes),” stated the Delhi Police.
The two principal suspects, Mukeem and Sameer, hail from Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh and have completed education only up to matriculation. The confiscated Mahindra Scorpio belongs to Sameer, who received it as a wedding gift from his in-laws.
One of the women involved is married but separated from her husband and currently resides in Delhi with her parents. The other woman, who is unmarried and from Lucknow, is acquainted with the first as they previously worked together in a Gurgaon office.
Both women were reportedly hired by Mukeem for Rs 4,000 each.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies in combatting cigarette smuggling, which poses severe risks to public health. The recent seizure reflects not only a successful operation but also underscores the need for ongoing vigilance against such illegal activities in our society.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the circumstances of the recent cigarette seizure in Delhi?
The Delhi Police Crime Branch executed a significant operation leading to the seizure of 9,420 packets of banned foreign cigarettes, resulting in the arrest of four suspects at the Delhi-Noida border.
What is the estimated value of the confiscated cigarettes?
The estimated value of the seized contraband is approximately Rs 25.76 lakhs, highlighting the scale of the smuggling operation.
Where were the smuggled cigarettes sourced from?
The smuggled cigarettes were reportedly being transported from Myanmar via Guwahati to Delhi and the NCR region.
Who were the main individuals involved in the smuggling operation?
The main suspects include Mukeem and Sameer, along with two women who were hired as decoys to assist in the smuggling activities.
What health regulations were violated by the smuggled cigarettes?
The confiscated cigarette packets lacked the necessary health warnings required by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
