Tobacco Farmers in South India Protest Excise Duty Hike
Tobacco farmers in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh warn the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 will devastate livelihoods and boost illegal trade. Read their urgent plea to the government.
Tobacco farmers in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh warn the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 will devastate livelihoods and boost illegal trade. Read their urgent plea to the government.
Mysuru tobacco growers face price uncertainty as new taxes on tobacco products loom. While current prices hover around Rs 320/kg, fears of a crash clash with hopes of a post-Sankranti surge to Rs 400/kg. Explore the market divide.
Motihari excise officials, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a truck from UP and seized 100 cartons of foreign liquor concealed in fodder. Read the full story of the smuggling attempt.
A sharp increase in excise duty on cigarettes, effective Feb 1, 2026, may trigger a surge in illicit trade and cause revenue losses, experts caution. Read more.
Punjab Police arrest 119 individuals in a major anti-drug operation across the state. The crackdown targets smugglers and seizes significant contraband. Read the full report on the ongoing war against drugs.
In a major bust, Mumbai Customs seized hydroponic weed, diamonds, and gold worth Rs 14 crore from a passenger arriving from London. Details on the multi-crore seizure at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Cigarettes to cost more as new excise duty and 40% GST kick in from February 1. Check the new price slabs and tax changes for all tobacco products.
Rawla police, with BSF, intercepts drone-delivered heroin from Pakistan, arresting three. Over 4 kg of narcotics seized in a major border security success. Read the full details.
Jaipur Municipal Corporation launches a major drive against tobacco sales near schools, confiscates products and issues warnings. Read about the new enforcement rules.
Thousands of tobacco farmers in Andhra Pradesh protest against the Centre's steep tax increase, warning it will destroy livelihoods and boost illegal smuggling. FAIFA demands a rollback.
GRP Prayagraj arrests youth, uncovers liquor mafia's new train-route smuggling tactic using unemployed youths. Details on the commission-based network and police probe inside.
Thousands of tobacco farmers protest in Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka against a steep GST hike, warning it will crush livelihoods and boost illegal smuggling. FAIFA demands a rollback to revenue-neutral rates.
A special NIA court in Ahmedabad refused temporary bail to Manzoor Ahmed Mir, accused in a major heroin smuggling case. He sought release to convince his wife against divorce. Read the full details.
Israeli security forces dismantle a major drone-based weapons smuggling network in the Negev desert. Discover how they intercepted the sophisticated operation.
India mandates CCTV installation in tobacco factories from Feb 1, 2026. Footage must be preserved for 24 months. New excise rules also clarify duty on tins and other forms. Details inside.
Prices of cigarettes, bidis, and other tobacco products will rise from February 1, 2026, after the government imposes a new excise duty. Find out the latest tax rates and impact on consumers.
The Centre introduces a new health and national security cess on tobacco, replacing the GST compensation cess from February 1. This tax overhaul aims to keep levies high and align with WHO benchmarks. Read more.
Mumbai AIU arrests man for smuggling 849 grams of gold dust from Bangkok. The gold, valued at Rs 2.5 crore, was concealed in capsules inside his body. Read the full investigation details.
DRI Pune seizes exotic animals smuggled on IndiGo flight from Bangkok. A man and woman arrested. One rare monkey found dead. International smuggling ring suspected. Read the full investigation details.
Assam Police seize 1.2 kg opium & smuggled cigarettes worth over ₹1 crore in Karimganj. Two arrested in major crackdown on cross-border smuggling.
Tirupati's anti-smuggling task force had a landmark 2025, arresting 263, seizing 35 tons of red sanders logs worth Rs 47 crore, and nabbing 10 most-wanted smugglers. Read the full story.
Chennai police arrested two men in Gummidipoondi for smuggling red sandalwood and gutka from Andhra Pradesh. Details on the seizures and ongoing investigations here.
Customs AIU at Surat Airport seizes 3.11 kg cannabis worth Rs 3.11 crore from a woman arriving from Bangkok. This marks the second such case in a week, raising concerns about the airport becoming a transit hub for international drug smuggling. Read more.
Despite decades of graphic warnings, oral cancer rates in India continue to rise. Explore the complex factors behind this public health puzzle and what needs to change.
DRI arrests six, seizes 186 iPhones & Pakistani cosmetics worth Rs 4 crore at Mumbai airport. Syndicate busted based on specific intelligence from Dubai. Read the full investigation details.
DRI arrests six, seizes 186 high-end iPhones & cosmetics from Pakistan worth Rs 4 crore at Mumbai airport. The accused were part of a smuggling syndicate. Read the full investigation details.
Patna police thwart liquor smuggling via the Ganga river and uncover a counterfeit foreign liquor factory ahead of festive season. Read the full details of the late-night operation and raid.
Chandigarh police have launched a major offensive against narcotics, registering 732 NDPS cases since 2020. The crackdown has seen assets worth Rs 15 crore frozen. Read the full story.
Security at Ludhiana Central Jail discovered 70g tobacco hidden in an inmate's footwear. Manmeet Singh booked under Prisons Act. Read how authorities are cracking down on smuggling.
KRS party workers were allegedly assaulted in Yelachenahalli while inspecting illegal smuggling of Anna Bhagya scheme rice. Police have been informed. Read the full report.