**Mumbai Crime Branch Cracks Down on Illegal E-Cigarette Smuggling Worth ₹32 Lakh**
In a significant operation targeting the rising trend of e-cigarette use among youth, the Mumbai Crime Branch Unit-2 has seized e-cigarettes valued at approximately ₹32 lakh, smuggled from China. The police have also arrested one individual in connection with this case.
**Accused Identified**
The arrested individual has been identified as Ravindra Kishor Dedhia, who allegedly initiated this smuggling business during the COVID-19 lockdown, attracted by the high profit margins.
**High-Profit Smuggling Business**
According to Crime Branch officials, the seized e-cigarettes are digital devices capable of delivering 200–250 puffs each. While these units sell for about ₹2,000 in India, they are available for only around ₹500 in China. This significant price difference has fueled the smuggling operation.
**Use of Sea Route to Evade Customs**
To circumvent strict customs checks, Dedhia reportedly used the sea route to bring in the consignment. The seized stock was intended for distribution in South Mumbai malls and prominent educational hubs like Pune. The accused allegedly employed agents to distribute these illegal e-cigarettes among youngsters.
**Growing Concern Among Youth and Health Experts**
E-cigarettes have rapidly gained popularity, especially among teenagers and college students, who perceive them as a “cool and fashionable” trend. However, health experts caution that e-cigarettes can lead to serious health issues, including lung diseases, breathing difficulties, and mental health problems. Alarmingly, several minors have already fallen into this habit.
**Ongoing Investigation**
The police have confirmed that Dedhia is currently under interrogation. Investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals involved in this smuggling network. Authorities believe the racket was targeting youth on a large scale to push illegal e-cigarette supplies.
The crackdown aims to curb the increasing availability and consumption of e-cigarettes among young people and safeguard public health.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-crime-branch-seizes-32-lakh-worth-of-smuggled-e-cigarettes-arrests-one
