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Time of India
29-05-2025
- Time of India
Nagpur police conduct overnight raids to bust illegal e-cigarette, hookah trade
Nagpur: In a meticulously planned overnight operation, Nagpur City Police cracked down on the illegal e-cigarette and tobacco trade, seizing a large quantity of contraband. The action-packed mission, dubbed 'Mission Axes,' concluded after nearly 12 hours on Wednesday morning. Teams led by commissioner of police Ravinder Singal raided 17 locations and searched 32 premises across the city. The raids yielded a massive haul, including 97 e-cigarettes, 345 hookah flavours, 69 hookah pots, pipes, charcoal heaters, mobile phones, mopeds, and cash — all valued at over ₹43 lakh. Offences have been registered against 26 accused across 13 police stations under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), the Prohibited Flavoured Tobacco Act, and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). According to police, the covert crackdown was part of a broader campaign titled 'Operation Thunder'. Acting on confidential intelligence regarding the storage and distribution of banned e-cigarettes, nicotine liquids, and hookah materials via a "web supply" network, Singal deployed 16 teams comprising 125 personnel and 25 officers to conduct simultaneous raids. The accused were reportedly offering home delivery services for these banned items. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 다가오는 여름, 부산시민이라면 지금 임플란트 할 기회입니다! 플란치과 더 알아보기 Undo The operation targeted 13 Texas Smoke Shop outlets, two paan material stores, one godown, and several other locations. Each police team operated under strict confidentiality, with their designated locations disclosed only at the last moment through sealed envelopes to ensure the element of surprise. The seized contraband included several brands of imported cigarettes from the UAE and China. "Imported cigarettes are smuggled through sea routes to various Indian ports, from where they are transported to cities like Nagpur and further distributed," Singal said. Sources revealed that the prime accused, Ankush Shahu alias Ashish, was the main target of the operation. Over the past six years, Shahu sold the franchise of 'Texas Smoke Shop' to 14 outlets, which were found to be actively selling prohibited e-cigarettes and flavoured hookah products. Police recovered e-cigarettes, hookah pots, flavoured tobacco items, and materials worth ₹21.5 lakh — including ₹25,000 in cash — from Shahu's godown located at Sainagar in Dighori. The godown had reportedly been set up beneath a shrine to avoid drawing attention. "We are investigating the ownership of the 'Texas Smoke Shop' brand and probing possible copyright violations," said Singal, adding that many of the seized flavoured tobacco products contain chemical ingredients that need laboratory testing. "This is a historic surgical strike on the trade of tobacco and other addictive substances that are harming our youth. We have uncovered the supply chain, and now we will target the lounges, parlours, and other shady dens involved," he added. "This is not just an operation — it's a mission to protect our youth and society from the grip of harmful substances. We will continue to act decisively to uproot these dangerous trends," Singal asserted. Senior officers including DCP Rahul Maknikar, ACP Abhijeet Patil, Joint CP Navinchandra Reddy, and Addl CP (Crime) Vasant Pardeshi played key roles in the mission. Senior inspectors Amol Deshmukh, Sandeep Buwa, Omprakash Sontakke, and Naikwade also made pivotal contributions. The raids were conducted in areas under the jurisdiction of MIDC, Rana Pratap Nagar, Sitabuldi, Sadar, Gittikhadan, Lakadganj, Sakkardara, Ajni, Wathoda, Hudkeshwar, Nandanvan, Jaripatka, and Beltarodi police stations. The investigation team is also coordinating with the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and agencies like state and central excise departments for further action. The seized items will be disposed of following approval from the concerned authorities. Citizens encouraged to use 'MANAS' Authorities in Nagpur have urged people to use the national helpline 'MANAS' at 1933 to report any drug-related activity. The 24x7 service, operational since January 11, aims to strengthen citizen participation in the ongoing effort to build a drug-free India. Officials emphasise that tips provided by the public can play a critical role in identifying and dismantling narcotics networks operating in the city. All calls to the helpline will be kept confidential.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
City declared ‘No drone zone' amid Indo-Pak tensions
Nagpur: In the wake of the recent terrorist attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and the following tension between India and Pakistan, the Nagpur City Police imposed a strict ban on the use of drones and other non-conventional aerial objects across the city. The move is part of precautionary measures to prevent any potential threat to public safety & national security infra in the region. Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code, 2023, declaring the entire Nagpur City Police Commissionerate a ' No Drone Zone '. This measure follows Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory offensive launched by Indian forces that led to the destruction of major terrorist bases belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. According to the order, intelligence reports suggest possibility of renewed terrorist activity following the ceasefire declared on May 10. The ban includes drones, UAVs, remote-controlled or remotely piloted aircraft systems, para-gliders, para-motors, hang-gliders, microlight aircraft, hot air balloons, aero-models, parachutes, & private helicopters. The order will be in force from 00:01 hours on May 18, until 24:00 hours on June 3, 2025. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Viral Video: मृत्यू कसाही येऊ शकतो! सीसीटीव्हीत कैद झाली काळीज पिळवटणारी घटना Latest News Read More Undo Exceptions may be made for govt agencies & essential services, but only after obtaining a NOC from both the General Manager and Coordinating Officer of Air Traffic Management at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (DGCA), and the DCP, Special Branch.
