Raid Uncovers Banned E-Cigarette Trade

The Anti-Extortion Cell of Thane Police has uncovered an alleged illegal trade in banned electronic cigarettes operating from a local paan shop near Hiranandani Meadows Circle. Acting on a tip-off that banned e-cigarettes were being sold near Sachin Paan Shop in the area, a police team laid a trap on Monday evening.

The operation, conducted under the guidance of Senior Police Inspector Shailesh Salvi and Assistant Police Inspector Bhushan Kapadnis, led to the interception of 35-year-old shop operator Anil Ravi Karkare while he was carrying a khaki-coloured box. A search of the box yielded foreign-made cigarettes of the ESSESE brand valued at ₹21,800, alongside nicotine-infused e-cigarettes from brands including IGET, Elf Bar Raya D1, Lost Mary, and Yoto Lens, valued at ₹66,000. The total value of the seized contraband was ₹88,000.

Case Registered Under Anti-E-Cigarette Law

A case has been registered against Karkare at the Chitalasar Police Station under Sections 4 and 7 of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019. "Samples from the seized contraband have been sealed, and the remaining stash has been secured as evidence," confirmed an official attached to the operation. "Further investigation is underway."