The Special Intelligence and Investigation Branch (SIIB) at Chennai Air Cargo thwarted an attempt to smuggle illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) worth ₹1.33 crore on September 20.
A press release said the shipment had 4,30,000 cigarette sticks and 1,130 e-cigarette units.
“The seized goods constitute serious violations under multiple regulatory frameworks: Customs Act, 1962 – Unauthorised importation Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labeling) Rules, 2008 –Non-compliance with mandatory statutory requirements including improper marking, packaging irregularities, and failure to meet notification standards E-Cigarettes: Prohibited for imports under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019,” the release said.
Following this, the Chennai Air Cargo Customs has begun an extensive investigation to identify the entire supply chain and legal action will be taken.
Published – September 23, 2025 05:45 am IST
