Mangaluru: In a swift operation, Barke police raided a shop in a commercial complex near Lalbagh and seized e-cigarettes, hookah materials, and foreign-made cigarettes worth nearly Rs 9.72 lakh on Monday evening. The raid was carried out after credible information indicated that the shop was illegally stocking and selling these items to the public, including youths.
Illegal sale of e-cigarettes busted
According to the police, the raid was conducted on October 6 under the supervision of Inspector Mohan Kottary of Barke Police Station, assisted by the station PSI and other personnel. The team found a range of prohibited and unlicensed tobacco products during the operation.
Officials said the shop had been operating without valid authorisation and was supplying e-cigarettes, hookah accessories, and imported cigarette brands in violation of tobacco control laws.
“Based on reliable inputs, a team from Barke police station carried out a surprise inspection and discovered the illegal stock. The products were being sold without a licence, targeting college students and young customers,” a senior officer said.
Items worth nearly Rs 10 lakh seized
Police said the seized goods included 847 e-cigarettes of various brands valued at Rs 4,43,125, 86 cigarette packs worth Rs 5,09,120, and hookah-related accessories estimated at Rs 20,500. The total seizure was pegged at Rs 9,72,745.
The confiscated materials have been sent for verification and documentation as part of the ongoing investigation.
Case registered and investigation underway
Following the operation, a case was registered at Barke Police Station against shop owner Shivu Deshakodi, Kudroli resident Ibrahim Irshad (33), and Bantwal resident Santosh (32).
The accused have been booked under relevant provisions related to the sale and possession of prohibited tobacco products. Police are investigating the source of supply and whether the items were being distributed to other retailers in the city.
Authorities have also cautioned traders against engaging in similar illegal activities, warning that strict action will be taken against violators.
Crackdown on banned products continues
This raid forms part of a broader crackdown by Mangaluru police against the illegal sale of e-cigarettes and hookah materials, which are banned under central health regulations due to their potential impact on youth.
Officials said that surveillance and surprise inspections across the city’s commercial areas will continue in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
The Barke police operation highlights the department’s proactive measures in curbing the illegal tobacco trade in Mangaluru. As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to identify larger supply chains involved in bringing such banned items into the market.