E-cigarettes worth Rs 10 lakh seized in Chandigarh

A joint team led by officials from the Department of Health & Family Welfare seized 335 e-cigarettes (vapes) with an estimated retail value of Rs 10 lakh from a cigarette shop in Sector 18 here today.

These seized items, banned under Sections 4 and 5 of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, were handed over to the Sector 19 Police Station. Officials from the police, Excise & Taxation Department, Department of Legal Metrology and Food Safety & Drug Control Wing were part of the team.

The team also seized a stock of imported cigarettes without purchase records and necessary Section 6A signage. The Health Department and Department of Legal Metrology imposed fine of Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000, respectively.

The team also seized stock of loose cigarettes without the required Section 6A signage under COTPA 2003 from another shop.