Police Dismantle Counterfeit Cigarette Operation in Chowk Area
In a significant crackdown on illicit trade, authorities have busted a racket involved in the sale of counterfeit cigarettes in the city. The operation led to the arrest of two individuals, who have been handed over to the police in the Chowk area, as confirmed by officials on Tuesday.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
A formal case has been registered, and the two arrested men are currently being interrogated to uncover the broader network behind this illegal trade. The FIR was filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Trade Mark Act of 1999, according to SHO Chowk Nagesh Upadhyay.
The accused have been identified as Mohammad Arshad, a resident of Vrindavan Colony in Telibagh, and Hamza Bashar, who lives in Hata Bhikam Khan on Abdul Aziz Road. Their arrests mark a critical step in curbing the distribution of fake products in the region.
How the Racket Was Uncovered
According to police reports, the investigation was initiated after Tittoo Sharma, manager of Anvesh IPR Protection Enforcement Company and a resident of Shankar Gali in Naujheel, Mathura, received credible information. He learned that certain individuals were manufacturing and selling counterfeit cigarettes under the guise of a well-known brand.
Acting on this tip-off, Sharma contacted the suspects by posing as a potential customer and placed an order for the cigarettes. The accused agreed to supply the goods and instructed him to collect the consignment near the Koneshwar crossing in the Chowk area.
Sting Operation and Seizure
When the two men arrived at the designated spot to deliver the cigarettes, they were intercepted by authorities and promptly apprehended. During the arrest, police seized a batch of counterfeit cigarettes that bore the branding of a popular cigarette label. Additionally, cigarettes that are banned for sale in India were also recovered from their possession, highlighting the severity of the violations.
This bust underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat trademark infringement and the sale of illicit goods. Authorities are now focused on tracing the wider network involved in this trade to prevent further distribution of counterfeit products.
