GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 21th Jan. The Delhi Customs Preventive has filed a case on January 20, 2024, against cigarettes of foreign origin that have been unlawfully imported, smuggled, and stored, based on particular information. 12.22 lakh sticks total, belonging to different brands such as ESSE, Mond, Dunhill, Davidoff, Gudang Garam, Platinum Seven, and so on, have been confiscated. After initial examination, the seized products are estimated to be worth approximately Rs. 2 crore based on the seized cigarettes; however, the precise valuation of the commodities is still being conducted.
In the Delhi-06 neighborhood of Katra Bariyan, Nayabans, three godowns, and two stores were searched.
Investigations revealed that the aforementioned stores and godown were used for the illicit import, storage, and distribution of several brands of cigarettes with foreign origins. The cigarette packets were chargeable under the Customs Act of 1962 if they had any statutory health warnings listed on them. These cigarettes are allegedly being provided in the domestic market after being illegally imported, dodging customs duties and breaking the Cigarettes & other Tobacco Products (Packaging & labeling) Amendment Rules, 2022.
The role of suppliers/ dealers and other stakeholders in the case is being inquired about. Further investigation into the matter is in progress.
