In a significant enforcement action, officers from the Special Intelligence and Investigation Branch (SIIB) at Chennai Air cargo successfully intercepted a large-scale smuggling operation on September 20, 2025.

Acting on credible intelligence, SIIB officers identified and seized a suspicious consignment originating from the United Arab Emirates. The intercepted shipment contained: 4,30,000 cigarette sticks and 1,130 e-cigarette units with a total estimated market value: ₹1.33 crores.

The seized goods constitute serious violations under multiple regulatory frameworks:

Customs Act, 1962 – Unauthorized importation

Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) 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.

Chennai Air Cargo Customs has initiated a comprehensive investigation to identify the complete supply chain and all parties involved in this smuggling attempt. Further legal action will be pursued against all violators to the full extent of the law.

This operation underscores Chennai Customs' unwavering dedication to: Protecting public health by preventing the circulation of unregulated tobacco products. The SIIB reaffirms its commitment to combat smuggling activities and will continue to deploy advanced intelligence-gathering methods and enforcement strategies to protect national economic interests and consumer welfare.

 

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