Patna, Vikas Kumar Ojha, December 15th 2024: In a significant anti-smuggling operation, Customs (Prevention) officials seized a massive consignment of foreign-origin electronic cigarettes worth approximately ₹2.7 crores at Raxaul Railway Station on Sunday, December 15. Acting on a tip-off, the Integrated Check Post (ICP) and Raxaul Prevention Unit intercepted the consignment being smuggled from China into India via Nepal.
Details of the Seizure
According to Dr. Yashovardhan Pathak, Commissioner of Customs (Prevention), Patna, this is one of the largest seizures of e-cigarettes by the department across the country. A team led by Assistant Commissioner Binod Kumar, including superintendents Santosh Kumar and Zafar Alam, and inspectors Roshan Kumar, Pramod Kant, Bimal Kumar, Neeraj Kullu, and Manish Tiwari, carried out the operation successfully.
The e-cigarettes, totaling 6,598 pieces of Chinese origin, were being transported in the brake van of the Satyagrah Express (Train No. 15273) departing from Raxaul to Delhi. The officers intercepted the consignment at 8:40 AM and prevented the smuggling attempt despite resistance from local miscreants.
Health Concerns and Smuggling Routes
E-cigarettes are completely banned in India due to their adverse health effects, particularly among youth. The seized products were being smuggled to cater to increased demand during New Year’s celebrations in metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The operation highlights the increasing vigilance at Nepal-India borders to curb such activities.
Future Measures and Rewards
Dr. Pathak emphasized that anti-smuggling campaigns would continue with increased intensity, and strict actions would be taken under the Customs Act against individuals involved in such activities. He also highlighted provisions for rewarding cooperating agencies such as the Railway Police Force, state police, and informants who assist in curbing smuggling.
Investigations are underway to trace the origins and intended destinations of the seized consignment and identify all individuals involved in the smuggling network. The Customs Department has urged for better coordination with allied departments to put an end to illegal activities like these.
