Grahak Chetna Trust joint operations with police seize contraband cigarettes

Hyderabad: In a joint operation with local police authorities, information and intelligence provided by Grahak Chetna Trust led to the successful identification and disruption of contraband operations. The police authorities raided multiple locations and seized big quantities of contraband cigarettes across Hyderabad, Mumbai, Gurugram and Ranaghat (West Bengal). FIR has been lodged against the main suspects for further investigation.

Commenting on the incidents, Suresh Kaushik, Principal Trustee, Grahak Chetna Trust said, “We appreciate law enforcement acting on our information and pursuing these cases. These outcomes help disrupt contraband supply chain. We are committed to spreading consumer awareness and education about counterfeit/ contraband goods in India. Illicit cigarette trade is a serious and growing threat to public health and society- government is losing tax revenues, legitimate businesses are challenged & consumers are being exposed to unregulated products. Hence, there is an urgent need to counter illicit cigarette trade & eradicate the menace by taking stringent measures.”

In the first incident, enforcement action on Mathaji General Store, Dhanlaxmi Store outlets in Cyberabad & Basha Pan store at Ibrahimpatnam, Hyderabad, was concluded. This was followed by action in Mumbai- shop no 154 and 155, Crawford market, stocking points of contraband cigarettes.

Furthermore, enforcement actions were successfully concluded in Gurugram at Arcadia market (Sector 49) – shops included Lala Pan, Kunal Pan Flavours and Refreshment Zone. This was followed by raids at DLF Phase 2- Amar Pan, Priyanka Pan and Surender Pan. Additionally, enforcement action was successfully planned and executed in Ranaghat, close to Bangladesh border, in West Bengal- Bapi Store & Tapan Store.

Grahak Chetna Trust is a NGO registered in Delhi, committed to spreading consumer awareness and education about illicit counterfeit/contraband goods in India. The NGO’s work focuses on identifying and sharing information with enforcement authorities about the retailers/dealers/wholesalers/manufacturers who indulge in manufacturing, sale and distribution of counterfeit/contraband goods in India, for appropriate action.