Ghatkopar Police Arrest Pan Shop Owner, Seize Banned E-Cigarettes Worth Rs 33,000
The Ghatkopar police have arrested a 26-year-old man from Ghatkopar West for allegedly possessing and intending to illegally sell electronic cigarettes banned by the Government of India.
The accused has been identified as Shyamu Shriram Gupta, a pan shop owner residing in Bhatwadi, Ghatkopar West. Police detained him near Gopal Bhavan, situated at Nityanand Nagar on LBS Road in Ghatkopar West, at around 11 pm on August 19.
According to police officials, a search conducted following his detention led to the recovery of 11 electronic cigarettes of the ELFBAR brand. The seized vapes are estimated to be worth Rs 33,000. Investigators stated that the stock of e-cigarettes was allegedly stored and maintained for unauthorised sale and distribution in the area.
Following the seizure, the police registered a case against Gupta under Sections 3, 4, and 7 of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019.
The law prohibits the manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of electronic cigarettes across the country. Police stated that further investigation into the case and the distribution network is currently underway.
