DRI seizes e-cigarettes worth ₹13.5 crore at Kolkata port

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized approximately 55,000 e-cigarettes worth over ₹13.5 crore in an operation against illegal trade at Kolkata's Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. According to a PIB report, this operation was conducted on October 24, 2026.

Acting on specific intelligence, officials intercepted two containers bound for Nepal. The goods in these containers were misdeclared. One container was declared to contain 'water glass' and the other 'ceramic mugs'. When the first container was inspected, 40,000 e-cigarettes of the 'IGET' brand in various flavors were found hidden amidst the declared goods.

During the inspection of the second container, approximately 15,000 e-cigarettes of various brands such as 'VTV', 'VOKO', 'Bang', and 'Ejoy' were discovered. A total of 55,000 e-cigarettes and the accompanying cover cargo have been seized under various sections of the Customs Act.

In order to protect public health, e-cigarettes and all electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are banned in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019.

During the current financial year 2026-27, the DRI has so far seized approximately 3,00,000 e-cigarettes worth over ₹120 crore from various ports, airports, and ICDs in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, and West Bengal.