A three-member enforcement team conducted surprise inspections across Panchkula, cracking down on violations of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. Acting on directions from FDA Commissioner Dr. Manoj Kumar and Additional Deputy Commissioner Nisha Yadav, the team inspected several establishments, including Pramod Pan (Sector 14), Ajay Pan (Sector 5), Manoj Dhaba (Sector 22), Amit Patel (Sector 15), and Pintu Pan Bhandar (Sector 5).
Penalties Imposed
All five outlets were fined Rs 200 each for non-compliance with COTPA norms. During a separate raid at Pandit Pan in Sector 5, the team intercepted vendor Vivek Patel and seized 27 packets of 'Esse Light' cigarettes and six packets of 'Mond' blueberry-flavoured cigarettes that lacked mandatory pictorial health warnings.
Legal Action
Taking strict cognisance of the violation, the team lodged a complaint at the Sector 5 police station for registration of an FIR under relevant provisions of COTPA.
Drive Highlights
- Surprise checks across multiple sectors
- 5 shops fined Rs 200 each
- Illegal stock seized from Sector 5 outlet
- Cigarette packs lacked pictorial health warnings
- FIR initiated under COTPA provisions
