One arrested; 46 e-cigarettes and 49 foreign cigarette packets seized in joint operation with Raidurgam Police
Rayadurgam: Telangana EAGLE Force, in coordination with Raidurgam Police, busted an alleged illegal e-cigarette sales network by raiding ‘Smokin Spot’ outlet in Raidurgam. The operation resulted in the arrest of outlet manager Aboobacker Siddique (28), a native of Kerala, and the seizure of 46 e-cigarettes, 49 packets of foreign cigarettes, two mobile phones and two digital payment scanners.
Preliminary investigations revealed suspected interstate supply links involving Kerala and Karnataka. The outlet allegedly received customer orders through WhatsApp, collected payments through digital platforms and arranged doorstep deliveries through Rapido. Around 107 e-cigarettes were reportedly sold during October and November 2026, with prices ranging from ₹2,800 to ₹4,000 per device.
Police are tracing the suspected supplier Arshad, who is reportedly absconding, while examining financial transactions, procurement channels and delivery networks. Investigators are also probing suspected links to China and Dubai and financial transactions worth several crores.
Officials said e-cigarettes pose serious health risks, particularly to children and young people, due to nicotine addiction and prolonged exposure.
Under the statewide crackdown, EAGLE Force has registered 11 cases, arrested 18 persons, identified 21 absconding accused and seized approximately 1,619 boxes of e-cigarettes.
A case has been registered at Raidurgam Police Station vide Cr. No. 1292/2026 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, and COTPA. Further investigation is underway to identify other accused and uncover the complete interstate supply network.
