Hyderabad: Police arrested three people and seized vapes and banned foreign cigarettes worth around Rs.2 lakh in Srinagar Colony.
The Commissioner’s Task Force, Jubilee Hills Zone, worked with Banjara Hills Police during the operation. Officers apprehended the suspects over alleged illegal sales of e-cigarettes and foreign cigarettes.
Police identified the accused as Mohammed Muneer, 26, Abdul Rahman Meehraj, 25, and Mohammed Eyas, 19. The three were associated with a shop named “Smokers.in” in Srinagar Colony.
Officers seized 53 vapes, 10 bottles of liquid and 76 boxes of cigarettes. Police valued the seized material at around Rs.2 lakh.
During questioning, the accused allegedly told police that they sourced foreign cigarettes from Mumbai. They allegedly sold the cigarettes in Hyderabad at substantially higher prices.
Police said the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act prohibits the sale and other activities involving e-cigarettes. The restrictions cover their manufacture, import, distribution, transport, storage and advertisement.
Banned foreign cigarettes case leads to further investigation
The police action followed information about the alleged illegal sale of vapes and banned foreign cigarettes. Investigators are examining the source and distribution network linked to the seized material.
Police also said the accused allegedly operated the sales through the Srinagar Colony shop. Further investigation will establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged activity.
Inspector Ch. Yadender supervised the operation. Sub-Inspector Mohd Jahed and other personnel participated in the action.
The seized material included both e-cigarette products and foreign cigarette packets. Police are continuing their investigation into the procurement and sale of the products in Hyderabad.