DRI seizes 13,000 e-cigarettes worth ₹4 crore at JNPT Port

According to a PIB report, officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted a major operation at JNPT Port, seizing 13,000 e-cigarettes valued at over ₹4 crore. Acting on specific intelligence, officials intercepted an imported consignment that had been misdeclared as 'mop rods'.

During a thorough examination of the container, 6,000 'Uotto Thanos' and 7,000 'Uotto Lens' brand e-cigarettes were found concealed behind the stock of mop rods. All these e-cigarettes and other goods have been seized under the relevant sections of the Customs Act. During the ongoing financial year 2026-27, the DRI has seized a total of 3,55,000 e-cigarettes from various ports, airports, and ICDs in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, and West Bengal, with a total value exceeding ₹135 crore. This operation reflects the DRI's commitment to curbing cross-border smuggling and protecting the country's economic and public health interests.

In the interest of public health and to protect people from harm, the production, import, sale, and storage of electronic cigarettes and all Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) were completely banned in India under the 'Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019'.