Hyderabad: E-cigarette racket busted in Lower Dhoolpet; 1 held, vapes worth ₹8.72L seized

Hyderabad: Commissioner’s Task Force, Khairtabad Zone, and Mangalhat Police, busted an illegal e-cigarette racket operating from Lower Dhoolpet and arrested a 23-year-old student.

Police seized 282 banned electronic cigarettes worth ₹8.72 lakh from his possession.

The accused has been identified as Tikale Rohan, a resident of Lower Dhoolpet in Mangalhat. He was allegedly involved in procuring and selling banned electronic cigarettes to customers, mainly targeting youth and college students in the city.

Raid in Lower Dhoolpet

Acting on credible intelligence, the Task Force team raided a house at 14-10-1004, Lower Dhoolpet, under the limits of Mangalhat Police Station on the evening of March 10.

During the search, police found 282 electronic cigarettes of various brands, including Yuoto Beyonder, Elfbar, and Raya D1. The total market value of the seized contraband is estimated at ₹8,72,000.

Supply network linked to Mumbai

According to police, Tikale Rohan, along with his associate Shivnani Pratham (currently absconding), hatched a plan to sell banned electronic cigarettes for illegal profits.

The duo allegedly procured the e-cigarettes at a low cost from Mumbai through a network agent identified as Perwin Salman Zubair, who is also absconding. The contraband was transported to Hyderabad via a parcel service and stored at the accused’s residence in Lower Dhoolpet.

WhatsApp group used to target youth

Investigations revealed that Shivnani Pratham created a WhatsApp group to contact potential customers, primarily targeting college students, teenagers, and young adults. Information about available stock was circulated in the group, and orders were received online.

Payments were collected through digital platforms, including PhonePe. The accused allegedly used Rapido delivery services to discreetly deliver the banned products to customers across the city.

Health risks and legal action

Police officials stated that electronic cigarettes contain nicotine and chemical-laced flavours, making them addictive and harmful to health. Authorities expressed concern over the growing usage of such products among the younger generation due to their easy availability.

The accused, along with the seized material, has been handed over to the Station House Officer of Mangalhat Police Station for further legal action. Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the absconding accused and dismantle the wider supply network.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of Inspector P. Raghavender of the Khairtabad Zone Task Force, with the participation of Sub-Inspector G. Srikanth and the staff of the Task Force and Mangalhat Police Station.