In a crackdown on the illegal e-cigarette trade, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested a 33-year-old man for allegedly running a business dealing in banned Chinese-made e-cigarettes. The accused, identified as Gurucharan, operated a pan shop in Ashok Vihar, targeting young people, especially Gen-Z and first-time smokers.
The operation took place in the late hours of April 17-18, in north Delhi’s Shalimar Bagh area, where police seized a total of 78 e-cigarettes banned under Indian law. The devices, which have gained popularity among urban youth due to their sleek design, have an estimated market value of ₹1.56 lakh, officials said.
According to the police, Gurucharan, a resident of Shalimar Bagh, lured teenagers and young adults by promoting e-cigarettes as a trendy status symbol. He capitalized on their growing addiction, turning a profit from their impulse purchases.
The operation began when police intercepted a scooter rider attempting to flee a vehicle check. Upon searching the vehicle, authorities discovered a plastic bag containing the banned e-cigarettes. A case was subsequently registered under sections 4 and 7 of The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019.
During questioning, Gurucharan admitted to selling the banned e-cigarettes from his shop and revealed that he earned a profit of ₹800 per device sold. He confessed to deliberately encouraging young customers to try e-cigarettes.
Gurucharan, originally from Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh, had moved to Delhi in search of better opportunities. He reportedly ventured into the illegal e-cigarette trade a year ago, motivated by the potential for quick financial gains.
Police are continuing to investigate the case to trace the supply chain and dismantle the broader distribution network of banned e-cigarettes. Authorities are also emphasizing the importance of combating the illegal sale of such products, particularly given their growing appeal to impressionable youth.
This bust comes amid increasing concerns over the impact of e-cigarettes on young people, especially given the addictive nature of nicotine. Authorities are calling for more stringent enforcement to curb the illegal sale and distribution of e-cigarettes, which have been banned in India since 2019.
Sources By Agencies