In a significant crackdown on illicit tobacco trade, Delhi Police has apprehended two individuals and confiscated a massive consignment of approximately 3.5 lakh counterfeit cigarette sticks valued at nearly Rs 50 lakh during a targeted operation conducted near Lahori Gate.
The Raid and Arrests
According to officials who disclosed the information on Sunday, the police first detained a man identified as Ankit, who subsequently led authorities to a concealed godown containing an even larger stockpile of fake cigarettes. During the subsequent raid on this storage facility, law enforcement arrested another individual named Ramjit.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia provided details of the operation, stating that the initial arrest of Ankit proved crucial in uncovering the larger operation. "We arrested a man named Ankit. Through him, we learned about a godown where the accused had stored an even larger quantity of counterfeit cigarettes," Banthia explained.
Massive Haul of Fake Brands
The investigation revealed that the counterfeit cigarettes included popular brands such as Gold Flake and Marlboro, among others, all replicated in substantial quantities. Police calculations determined the total seizure amounted to approximately 3.5 lakh cigarette sticks, with an estimated market value of around Rs 50 lakhs.
Authorities confirmed that the primary activity of the accused involved stocking and distributing these counterfeit cigarettes to unsuspecting consumers. During interrogation, the arrested individuals admitted to operating this illegal business for two to two-and-a-half years, establishing a significant network in the area.
Ongoing Investigation and Health Concerns
Police officials emphasized that the investigation is now focused on tracing the complete supply chain of the counterfeit cigarette operation. An officer involved in the case revealed, "We are investigating the forward and backward linkages regarding these fake cigarettes, including how they buy the cigarettes, who they sell them to, and how much they have sold so far."
Authorities raised serious health concerns about the seized products, describing them as "spurious goods with no proper quality control, and are hazardous as well." The absence of quality standards in these counterfeit products poses significant health risks to consumers who purchase them, often unaware of their illicit nature.
Police have assured that additional arrests are anticipated as the investigation progresses. "As soon as we learn more about the supplier, manufacturer, and distributor, more arrests will be made," the police statement concluded, indicating that this initial seizure represents just the beginning of a broader crackdown on counterfeit tobacco products in the national capital region.
