Mumbai, May 21: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has launched a significant operation against a smuggling network active in the country, seizing 3 lakh e-cigarettes and vapes valued at ₹120 crore. This information was disclosed by the Ministry of Finance on Thursday.
The ministry stated that the DRI has uncovered a large-scale e-cigarette smuggling racket during its recent operations at various ports, airports, and Inland Container Depots (ICDs) in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, and West Bengal.
These banned e-cigarettes were consistently imported from China, concealed within shipments labeled as “furniture” and “metal chair parts.”
The ministry further explained that based on specific intelligence, the DRI identified several suspicious import consignments that were falsely declared to evade customs checks. These consignments were monitored and subsequently seized. The extensive investigation resulted in the confiscation of approximately 3,00,000 electronic cigarettes and vapes of various brands, flavors, and specifications, exceeding a value of ₹120 crore.
It is important to note that electronic cigarettes and all electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are prohibited in India under the Electronic Cigarettes Prohibition Act of 2019. This legislation aims to protect public health and prevent harm to individuals.
Last month, under an operation named ‘Operation Golden Drop,’ the DRI dismantled a highly organized gold smuggling ring operating through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.
According to the DRI, acting on specific intelligence, officials seized three kilograms of foreign-origin gold valued at approximately ₹4.8 crore and arrested one suspect.
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