New Delhi: In a significant crackdown on illicit trade, Delhi Police have busted a gang allegedly involved in supplying counterfeit cigarettes, seizing approximately 2.4 lakh cigarette sticks. Four men have been arrested in connection with the case, officials confirmed on Monday.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Parveen Singh (32), Puneet Gupta (35), Pawan Gupta (29), and Dilip Yadav (21). The police operation was conducted in West Delhi’s Nilothi Extension area on October 9, following a tip-off regarding the illegal supply of fake cigarette stocks.
Raid and Seizure Details
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Vikram Singh said that during the raid, two suspects, Pawan Gupta and Pawan Yadav, were intercepted with a tempo carrying 14 cartons of counterfeit cigarettes, totaling around 1.6 lakh sticks. The remaining stock was recovered from other locations during follow-up investigations.
The seized cigarettes are reportedly fake versions of popular branded products, which, if sold in the market, could have posed serious health risks to consumers. Officials added that the counterfeit trade not only violates consumer safety norms but also results in significant revenue loss to the government due to evasion of taxes.
Investigation and Interrogation
The arrested gang members are being interrogated to trace the source of the counterfeit cigarettes and their distribution network. Police are also investigating whether the gang had links to larger organised crime groups operating in Delhi and neighbouring states.
Vikram Singh emphasised that Delhi Police are committed to curbing the sale of counterfeit and substandard products in the city. “Operations like these are aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring that no illegal activity goes unchecked,” he said.
Public Safety and Awareness
Authorities have urged the public to verify the authenticity of cigarettes and other consumer products before purchasing. Counterfeit cigarettes often contain harmful chemicals and can severely impact health. Consumers are advised to report suspicious products to local police or the Food and Drug Administration authorities.
Conclusion
This successful police operation underscores Delhi Police’s ongoing efforts to combat counterfeit goods and organised crime. The arrests and seizure of 2.4 lakh counterfeit cigarettes are expected to disrupt the gang’s operations and send a strong warning to others engaged in illegal trade.