In a significant crackdown during the festive season, Kerala Excise officials have arrested a father and son involved in the wholesale trade of prohibited tobacco products. The operation, part of a special Christmas-New Year enforcement drive, led to the seizure of a substantial 100 kilograms of banned tobacco items intended for widespread distribution.
Intelligence-Led Raid Nets Major Haul
The arrests were made on Sunday following specific intelligence inputs. The excise team conducted inspections in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts, targeting the illicit supply chain. The accused were identified as Mohammed Nausheer, 61, a native of Pallimukku in Kollam, and his 26-year-old son Unais. At the time of their arrest, they were residing in a rented house at Avanavanchery in Thiruvananthapuram.
Officials revealed that the duo operated an organised distribution network, supplying the contraband to retail-level sellers. The seized products, which were reportedly smuggled from outside Kerala, were stored at multiple locations to evade law enforcement. Their operation came under scrutiny after a related incident near educational institutions.
Chain of Events Leading to Arrest
The case initially unfolded when excise personnel conducted special inspections around school and college premises in Kollam. During these checks, an interstate migrant worker was caught selling banned tobacco products to students. A subsequent and thorough investigation into the source of these products traced the supply back to Nausheer and Unais, directly leading to their arrest.
"The seized products were meant for wholesale distribution across multiple locations," stated an excise official. The network was actively supplying sellers, including those operating in the vicinity of educational institutions, posing a direct risk to student health.
Legal Action and Continued Vigilance
The authorities have registered cases against the accused under the relevant provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and other applicable laws. The father and son were produced before a court, and the investigation is ongoing to identify other members linked to this distribution network.
With the festive season in full swing, excise officials have announced that enforcement activities will be intensified across the state. The primary focus is to curb the sale of banned tobacco products, with special attention on areas surrounding schools and colleges to protect youth from easy access to such harmful substances.
