The Special Investigation and Intelligence Branch (SIIB) (Import) at Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House (JNCH), Nhava Sheva, has made a significant seizure of approximately 1.16 lakh prohibited electronic cigarettes and vapes. These items are valued at around Rs 92.80 crore and were concealed inside two import consignments that were declared as furniture.
Details of the Seizure
According to Customs officials, the seizure was carried out after SIIB (Import) officers developed specific intelligence inputs and placed holds on two suspected import consignments at JNCH. A detailed examination of the containers led to the detection of the contraband electronic cigarettes and vapes of the ELFBAR Moon Night 40K series in assorted flavours.
Investigators said that the prohibited goods were cleverly concealed inside containers misdeclared as furniture in an apparent attempt to evade Customs scrutiny. Preliminary investigation has revealed that the consignments originated from China.
Legal Implications
Officials stated that the import of electronic cigarettes and all Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) is strictly prohibited in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019. The seized goods are liable for absolute confiscation under Section 111(d) of the Customs Act, 1962.
Investigation Underway
Further investigation is currently underway to identify the importers, overseas suppliers, and other persons involved in this smuggling attempt. Authorities are also working to ascertain the complete modus operandi adopted for evading Customs controls.
