In a recent crackdown on illicit trade, Delhi Police successfully apprehended two men allegedly involved in the distribution of smuggled cigarettes. These illegal tobacco products, found in local markets, conspicuously lacked the mandatory pictorial health warning labels as required by Indian law, an official confirmed on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
Authorities confirmed the recovery of a staggering total of 66,400 international brand cigarettes from the arrested individuals. The estimated market value of the seized consignment is approximately ₹12 lakh.
The arrested duo has been identified as Parveen Sehgal, 37, a resident of Panipat, and Mukesh Khatreja, 48, a resident of Delhi. The operation began on October 25, when a police team received crucial intelligence regarding a substantial consignment of prohibited cigarettes scheduled for delivery near the Palam flyover in the Prahladpur area.
Acting on this intelligence, officers set up a strategic trap, which led to the successful apprehension of both accused. They were found in possession of four bags containing 332 ‘dandas’ — each comprising 10 packets — of the smuggled cigarettes. A key violation noted was the absence of statutory health warnings, a mandatory requirement under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), rendering these products illegal for sale or distribution within India.
During their interrogation, the individuals revealed their broader involvement in a smuggling network. They admitted to illicitly importing cigarettes from Cambodia and subsequently supplying them to various local markets within Delhi and its neighboring regions. Further investigations into this large-scale illegal operation are currently underway.