The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has unearthed a large-scale smuggling network involved in the clandestine import of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices into India.
The anti-smuggling operations were carried out over the past few days across multiple ports, airports, and Inland Container Depots (ICDs) located in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, and West Bengal. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, DRI officials identified and tracked several suspicious import consignments that were allegedly being misdeclared to bypass customs checks and regulatory scrutiny.
During detailed examinations of the consignments, officials seized nearly 3 lakh electronic cigarettes and vape devices of different brands, flavours, and specifications. The total estimated market value of the seized products is said to exceed Rs 120 crore.
According to officials, all the prohibited vaping products were sourced from China and were concealed inside consignments falsely declared as goods such as “furniture” and “metal chair parts” in an attempt to evade detection by customs authorities.
Investigators believe the smuggling syndicate was using sophisticated concealment methods and false declarations to illegally bring the banned products into the Indian market through multiple entry points.
Electronic cigarettes and all forms of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) are prohibited in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019. The legislation bans the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of e-cigarettes in the country.
The law was enacted by the Government of India in the interest of public health, particularly to safeguard young people from the harmful effects and addictive nature of nicotine-based vaping products.
Officials stated that further investigation is underway to identify the importers, beneficiaries, and distribution networks linked to the smuggling racket. Authorities are also probing possible violations under the Customs Act and other relevant laws.
