One Arrested For Illegally Procuring And Selling Foreign Cigarettes

Hyderabad, June 25 (Maxim News) On 24-06-2025, based on credible information, the Commissioner’s Task Force, Central Zone Team, in coordination with Afzalgunj Police Station, conducted a raid at Gowliguda (back side of the Bus Depot) under the jurisdiction of Afzalgunj PS and arrested one accused person Manohar Singh, age 27 years, Occu Business, R/o Gowliguda Chaman, Afzalgunj, involved in illegal import and sale of foreign cigarettes and seized foreign cigarettes total value Rs. 7,05,000.

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The accused was found to be illegally importing foreign cigarettes at a low price from Delhi to Hyderabad through private transport services. He was storing the contraband at his residential premises and selling it at higher rates to pan shops, kirana stores, and petty vendors across the city, thereby earning illegal profits.

The accused, Manohar Singh, residing at Gowliguda Chaman, Afzalgunj, is originally engaged in the cigarette lighter marketing business. To earn quick and easy money through illegal means, he came into contact with agents dealing in foreign cigarettes in Delhi. Without any valid tax invoices, he was purchasing various brands of foreign cigarettes at a low cost and transporting them to Hyderabad via private road transport services.

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Upon arrival, he stored the cigarette cartons at his residence and sold them at inflated prices to local shopkeepers and vendors. The illegal sale of these foreign cigarettes, which do not carry the mandatory statutory health warnings, not only violates COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) but also evades government taxes imposed to discourage tobacco consumption.

As per COTPA regulations, it is mandatory for cigarette packets to display graphic health warnings covering 85% of the packaging space. However, these illegally imported foreign brands do not comply with the packaging and labelling requirements set by the Government of India.

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The accused, along with the seized contraband worth ₹7,05,000/-, has been handed over to the Station House Officer, Afzalgunj Police Station for further investigation and necessary legal action.

The apprehension was carried out by the Inspector of Police, Task Force Central Zone, along with the Sub-Inspector and staff of the Task Force Central Zone team, Hyderabad City, in collaboration with the Afzalgunj PS team. (Maxim News)

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