Patna: In a major operation, the customs (prevention) team along with Integrated Check Post (ICP) officials, on Sunday seized foreign-made electronic cigarettes from Raxaul railway station. The estimated value of the seized e-cigarettes is Rs 2.75 crore.
Commissioner of customs (prevention) Patna, Yashovardhan Pathak, said that this is one of the largest coordinated seizures of e-cigarettes by the customs department across the country. E-cigarettes are completely banned in India and are smuggled from China into India via Nepal.
"Acting on a tip-off, the customs team intercepted a large consignment of e-cigarettes being smuggled from the brake van of train number 15273 Satyagraha Express, which was departing from Raxaul to Delhi at 8.40 am on Sunday from Raxaul railway station. A total of 6,598 pieces of e-cigarettes, originating from China, were seized. The estimated value of the seized cigarettes is Rs 2.75 crore. Some anti-social elements attempted to sabotage the operation, but the cigarettes were confiscated under the Customs Act," Pathak said.
The commissioner said the use of e-cigarettes has increased among the general public, especially the youth, in recent days. Considering the serious health hazard of e-cigarettes, the govt of India has banned them.
"During the New Year's parties in metro cities, the demand for e-cigarettes rises, prompting the customs department to increase vigilance along the Nepal border. The officials have been asked to remain alert," he added.