Kochi, Feb 3 (PTI) – In a major crackdown on the illegal tobacco trade, the Ernakulam Rural Police seized banned tobacco products worth ₹2 crore from a closed godown in Perumbavoor following a raid on Monday.
Acting on a tip-off, a special team, led by Ernakulam Rural District Police Chief Vaibhav Saxena, raided the facility near Vallam Rayons Company and discovered around 400 bags of contraband tobacco products. Officials revealed that the illicit stock was hidden under the pretense of operating a plastic manufacturing company.
Police have launched a detailed investigation into the illegal distribution network, signaling continued action against the rampant smuggling of banned tobacco products in the state.
Acting on a tip-off, a special team, led by Ernakulam Rural District Police Chief Vaibhav Saxena, raided the facility near Vallam Rayons Company and discovered around 400 bags of contraband tobacco products. Officials revealed that the illicit stock was hidden under the pretense of operating a plastic manufacturing company.
Owner Identified, Investigation Underway
Police identified the godown’s owner as Ayub Khan, a resident of Thiruvananthapuram. Authorities had kept the premises under surveillance for a while, suspecting large-scale smuggling. According to officials, lorries transported massive consignments of tobacco products at night, which were then distributed to small traders across Kerala.Part of a Larger Crackdown
This latest bust follows a similar raid last month, where authorities seized 500 bags of banned tobacco products and cigarettes from a godown in Mudickal, near Kochi.Police have launched a detailed investigation into the illegal distribution network, signaling continued action against the rampant smuggling of banned tobacco products in the state.