Chandigarh, June 12, 2024: In a coordinated effort directed by the Advisor to the Administrator, Chandigarh Administration (U.T.), and Secretary Health & Additional Secretary Health, Chandigarh Administration, a joint team conducted a comprehensive raid for the enforcement of tobacco control regulations in Chandigarh. The joint team, led by officers from the Department of Health & Family Welfare and including officials from the Health Department, Police Department, Excise & Taxation Department, Department of Legal Metrology, and the Food Safety & Drug Control wing, carried out a targeted raid on June 12, 2024. The raid aimed to enforce compliance with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 and other related regulations. During the raid, Sh. Ashok Kumar Chaurasiya of #629, Charan Singh Colony, Mauli Jagran, Chandigarh, was found to have a stock of imported cigarettes without any purchase records and lacked appropriate Section 6a signages under COTPA 2003. He was fined Rs. 5000/- by the Department of Controller Legal Metrology (Weights & Measures) and issued a challan under Section 63 of the Food Safety Act for operating without an FSSAI license. Additionally, 33 packets of imported cigarettes, valued at approximately Rs. 13,200/-, were seized. Similarly, Sh. Vikash, son of Sh. Shambharan Singh, of #628, Charan Singh Colony, Mauli Jagran, Chandigarh, operating from Market Village, Mauli Jagran, was found stocking and selling loose and imported cigarettes without purchase records and lacking appropriate Section 6a signages under COTPA 2003. He faced multiple fines, including Rs. 200/- under Section 4 of the COTPA Act 2003, Rs. 2000/- imposed by the Excise and Taxation Department, and Rs. 5000/- by the Department of Controller Legal Metrology (Weights & Measures). Authorities seized 20 packets of imported cigarettes valued at Rs. 8000/-, along with loose cigarettes worth Rs. 2500/-. Overall, the joint raid resulted in fines totaling Rs. 12,200/-. Authorities seized 53 packets of imported cigarettes valued at Rs. 21,200/- in the wholesale market, with a much higher retail value. The seized cigarettes lacked the mandatory 85% pictorial pack warnings and had evaded Customs, Excise, and GST regulations. Dr. Suman Singh, Director Health & Family Welfare, Chandigarh U.T., assured that such raids will continue in the future. The Permanent Task Force constituted by the Chandigarh Administration remains committed to increasing public awareness about the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), the COTPA Act, 2003, the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, and preventing the sale of illegal imported cigarettes.