In a major development in the fight against illegal tobacco products, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) action has resulted in seizure of smuggled foreign origin cigarettes and E-cigarettes worth Rs. 91 lakhs approx. from 2 different places in Surat.

In the first instance, officers of DRI carried out searches at the residence and godown of a Chocolate shop owner in Surat. The searches resulted in recovery of a total of 3,60,800 sticks of foreign origin cigarettes of various brands namely Marlboro, Dunhill, Esse Lights, Esse Black, Esse Gold, Djarum Black, Gudang Garam, WIN etc. Also, 198 sticks of prohibited E-cigarettes (Vapes) were also recovered. The recovered cigarettes valued at ₹ 75 lakhs approx. has been detained under the provisions of the Customs Act 1962 and one person has been arrested.

In another instance, officers of DRI intercepted a railway parcel destined to Surat at Surat Railway Station from which 80,000 sticks of smuggled Esse Lights branded Cigarettes were recovered. The market value of the same is estimated to be Rs 16 lakhs and the goods have been detained.

DRI in Gujarat has been waging a tough battle against smuggling of Cigarettes and other nicotine products. Moreover, the focus on smuggling by DRI has been tightened ahead of the ongoing Assembly elections in Gujarat and the Model code of conduct being in place.

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