Triplicane police busted a major illegal stockpile after arresting two men caught hoarding around 15,000 packs of smuggled foreign cigarettes and banned e-cigarettes (vapes).

Acting on a tip-off, officers raided a mansion in the area and discovered the large stash. The suspects, Abdul Rawab (35) and Mohammed Ashwar (39), both from Ramanathapuram district, were taken into custody.

Authorities confirmed that the seized cigarettes included popular international brands such as Dunhill and Davidoff, brought in through illegal smuggling channels.

In addition to the cigarette packs, the police confiscated 37 banned vape devices from the pair.

Following their arrest, the men were presented before a magistrate and placed under judicial custody pending further investigation.