DRI seizes Rs 10.4 crore worth of e-cigarettes hidden in umbrella shipment

The North News

New Delhi, December 2

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized e-cigarettes worth ₹10.41 crore smuggled into India through Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin port, in what officials described as a major enforcement action against prohibited electronic nicotine products. Acting on specific intelligence that a gang planned to bring e-cigarettes from China disguised as a shipment of umbrellas, DRI officers intercepted a container at the port on  November 27. While part of the consignment held the declared cargo, investigators found a large quantity of e-cigarettes hidden behind the umbrella cartons.

Officials said that 45,984 e-cigarettes of assorted flavours were recovered, along with 4,300 umbrellas valued at ₹4.3 lakh. The goods were seized under the Customs Act, 1962. Three Chennai-based individuals allegedly involved in clearing the consignment were arrested soon after the operation. The import of e-cigarettes is prohibited under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, and corresponding trade and customs regulations.

The agency said the operation underscores its efforts to curb the smuggling of prohibited and harmful goods, adding that it remains vigilant in protecting public health and India’s economic security.