Illegal e-cigarette racket busted in Hyderabad; Three arrested, vapes worth ₹34 lakh seized

Hyderabad: In a major crackdown on the illegal sale of banned electronic cigarettes, the Commissioner’s Task Force (Khairtabad Zone), in coordination with Nampally Police, busted an organised racket operating in the city and apprehended three persons.

Authorities seized 999 electronic cigarettes (vapes) along with other materials, collectively valued at ₹34.03 lakh.

Trap laid at Bazarghat, two held red-handed

Acting on credible intelligence, police teams laid a trap near ‘A’ Battery Line in Bazarghat under Nampally police station limits.

Two individuals, Mohammed Ahmed (36), a salesman, and Mohammed Aszad Raza alias Arhan (30), a welder, were caught during the operation.

Ahmed was intercepted while attempting to deliver 180 banned e-cigarettes on a two-wheeler, while Raza was identified as the recipient. Police said the transaction was being carried out under the instructions of a third accused, Vinit Mantri.

Kingpin nabbed in Attapur, bulk stock seized

Based on the interrogation of the arrested duo, police traced the alleged mastermind, Vinit Mantri (33), to his residence in Attapur. He was apprehended, and a large stockpile of banned electronic cigarettes was recovered from his possession.

WhatsApp, Telegram used to run illegal network

Investigations revealed that Mantri and Raza operated the racket through WhatsApp and Telegram groups, where they shared stock updates and coordinated sales with customers.

Orders were placed through these messaging platforms, while payments were collected via digital modes, primarily PhonePe. The accused used delivery services such as Rapido and Porter to distribute the contraband across the city.

Supply chain linked to Delhi-based source

Police said the accused procured e-cigarettes in bulk from a supplier identified as Ankit, based in Delhi. The products were transported to Hyderabad through parcel service channels before being distributed locally.

Seizures and case details

During the operation conducted on April 10, police seized:

999 electronic cigarettes (vapes)

One Suzuki Burgman two-wheeler

Four mobile phones

Packing materials

The total value of the seized property is estimated at ₹34,03,300.

A case has been registered under Sections 4 read with 7 of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (PEC) Act at Nampally Police Station.

Accused remanded for further action

The three accused, along with the seized material, have been handed over to Nampally police for further investigation and legal proceedings.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of Inspector P. Raghavender of the Khairtabad Task Force, with support from Sub-Inspector A. Krishna and staff of the Task Force and Nampally Police.