Delhi Customs seized illegally imported 12.22 lakh Foreign Origin Cigarettes worth Rs. 2 crore

The Delhi Customs Preventive seized 12.22 lakh foreign-origin cigarettes worth Rs. 2 crore that were being illegally imported.

Based on the specific intelligence, Delhi Prevention booked the case on 20 or 21st January 2024, against cigarettes of foreign origin that have been illegally imported, smuggled and kept.

The total amount of seized sticks was 12.22 lakh, including a variety of brands such as ESSE, Mond, Dunhill, Davidoff, Gudang Garam, Platinum Seven, and more.

The seized goods are estimated to be around Rs. 2 crore based on a preliminary examination of the seized cigarettes; the exact valuation of the goods is still being conducted.

The two shops and three godowns were investigated in Katra Bariyan, Nayabans and Delhi 06 localities.

During searches, it was revealed that the above-mentioned godown and shops were used for the illegal import, storage, and supply of several brands of cigarettes with foreign origins.

As per the Customs Act of 1962, the cigarette packs were taxable and they did not have any statutory health warnings specified on them.

According to the officials, it is suspected that these cigarettes, which were being supplied on the domestic market, were illegally imported, evading customs duties and in violation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules, 2022.

The inquiry into the role of suppliers, dealers and other stakeholders in the case is being carried out. Further searches into the matter are underway.