In a significant crackdown, the Ahmedabad airport police have dismantled a major network involved in the storage and distribution of prohibited smoking accessories. The operation led to the seizure of banned material valued at a staggering Rs 72.28 lakh from residential properties.
Swift Action Following Statewide Ban
The police action came swiftly, just one day after the Gujarat government imposed a comprehensive statewide ban on the sale, storage, distribution, and circulation of items like cigarette rolling papers and gogo smoking cones. Authorities acted on specific intelligence indicating that large quantities of the newly banned products were being hoarded at two residential addresses in the Samarthnagar area, located behind Indira Bridge.
Coordinated Raids Uncover Massive Stockpile
A dedicated surveillance team conducted coordinated raids on Tuesday at the identified premises in Hansol. During the searches, officers uncovered a vast commercial stockpile of smoking-related products. The haul included:
- Rolling papers in booklet form
- Pre-rolled cones, both brown and coloured
- Filter tips and tip papers
- Various other accessories in multiple sizes and colours
The items were found neatly packed in cartons and boxes, clearly indicating intent for commercial distribution in violation of the fresh prohibition. Some sample boxes recovered did not carry any price markings.
Accused Named, Investigation Widens
Police have identified the accused as Jacky Motwani (28), a trader and resident of Samarthnagar in the Sardar Nagar area. He is alleged to have been involved in storing the banned products for sale and distribution despite the official ban being in force.
An offence has been registered under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which pertains to disobedience of orders lawfully promulgated by public servants. Investigators are now working to trace the entire supply chain and identify other individuals potentially involved in the racket. Police have affirmed that similar enforcement drives will continue across Ahmedabad to ensure strict compliance with the new ban.
