City police in Chennai have intensified their efforts to combat the sale and distribution of banned tobacco products, resulting in 102 cases being registered in January alone across the north and west zones. With a significant seizure of 3,000 kilograms of contraband, authorities have taken decisive action, including freezing the bank accounts of 96 individuals involved in smuggling. Additionally, over 50 shops selling these prohibited items have been sealed as part of the crackdown.
Police officials emphasize the enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, along with other relevant provisions, to deter offenders. Effective surveillance measures are in place to prevent the illegal sale of tobacco products, with stringent repercussions promised for manufacturers, transporters, and sellers involved in this illicit trade.