New Delhi, 21 May 2026: In a major operation against the illegal smuggling of prohibited nicotine products, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a large-scale e-cigarette and vape smuggling racket operating across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, and West Bengal.
During coordinated operations conducted at multiple ports, airports, and Inland Container Depots (ICDs), DRI officials intercepted several suspicious import consignments based on specific intelligence inputs. Detailed examination of the consignments resulted in the seizure of nearly 3 lakh electronic cigarettes and vapes of various brands, flavours, and specifications valued at over ₹120 crore.
According to officials, the smuggled products were sourced from China and were deliberately misdeclared in import documents to avoid customs scrutiny. The consignments were concealed under descriptions such as “Furniture” and “Metal Chair Parts.”
The Directorate stated that electronic cigarettes and all Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) are completely prohibited in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019.
The law was enacted to safeguard public health and protect citizens, particularly youth, from the harmful effects of nicotine addiction and related health risks.
Officials described the operation as one of the biggest crackdowns on illegal vape smuggling in recent times and stated that further investigation is underway to identify the entire network involved in the illegal import and distribution chain.
