Face2News/Chandigarh
A joint raid under the COTPA Act and the Excise Act was conducted on Thursday to curb violations related to tobacco control and the illegal sale of cigarettes in Chandigarh.
As per the directions of the Worthy Chief Secretary, Chandigarh Administration (U.T.) and under the guidance of the Secretary Health and Additional Secretary Health, officers from the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Health Department, Police Department, Excise & Taxation Department, Department of Legal Metrology, and the Food Safety & Drug Control Wing carried out an enforcement raid on 12.11.2025.
Raid at Banwari Pan House, Ramdarbar, Chandigarh : The shop was found stocking and selling loose cigarettes in violation of COTPA provisions. The mandatory Section 6A signage under COTPA, 2003, was not displayed. Cigarettes without purchase bills and suspected counterfeit Commando Magna cigarettes were also recovered from the premises.
ML Bhatia Shop, Booth No. 3, Sector 27-D, Chandigarh : The shop was found selling loose and imported cigarettes, which is prohibited under the Act. Fines amounting to ₹8,500 were imposed by the Health Deptt.and Excise Deptt. and illegal and imported cigarettes worth approx. ₹15,500 (wholesale value) were seized by the Excise Deptt.. The seized products did not carry the mandatory 85% pictorial health warnings, making them illegal for sale.
Dr. Suman Singh, Director Health, reiterated that such enforcement activities will continue under the Permanent Task Force formed by the Chandigarh Administration. She emphasized that these efforts aim to increase public awareness about the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), the provisions of the COTPA Act, 2003, the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, and to prevent the circulation of illegal imported cigarettes.
Sh. Nishant Kumar Yadav, Excise & Taxation Commissioner-cum-DC stated that stringent action will continue against violators. He highlighted that the availability of illegal and unregulated tobacco products not only poses serious risks to public health but also contributes to growing substance abuse. He assured that the Administration remains fully committed to protecting citizens and ensuring strict enforcement of all legal provisions.