In a significant crackdown on the sale of illicit tobacco products, the Malleswaram police in Bengaluru have arrested two individuals and confiscated a large consignment of counterfeit cigarettes. The seized items, with an estimated market value of around Rs 2.5 lakh, were being sold under the guise of popular ITC brands.
Complaint and Swift Arrest
The operation was set into motion after a formal complaint was lodged by a representative of ITC Limited on November 25. The complainant alleged that two persons were illegally peddling fake cigarettes bearing ITC's brand names in the 10th Cross, Malleswaram and Sampige Road localities. Acting promptly on the tip-off, police teams moved in and apprehended the accused on the same day at 10th Cross.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Imran (36), a resident of Cottonpet, and Rahees (40), who hails from Kannur in Kerala but was currently living in Marappanapalya. Their arrest prevented further circulation of the spurious products in the busy market areas.
Details of the Seizure and Confession
During subsequent interrogation, the duo confessed to their illicit trade. They revealed that they sourced the counterfeit cigarettes from a supplier based in Kasaragod, Kerala, purchasing them at a lower cost and then selling them to unsuspecting customers at the Maximum Retail Price (MRP). This scheme allowed them to pocket significant illegal profits.
The police conducted a thorough search and recovered a total of 80 bundles of fake cigarettes. The haul included:
- Approximately 35 bundles of counterfeit Gold Flake Lights.
- Around 44 bundles of fake Gold Flake Kings.
- One bundle of imitation Mini Gold Flake cigarettes.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Following the necessary procedures, both accused were released on station bail. However, the police have served them notices, mandating their appearance before the investigating officer as the probe continues. The focus of the investigation has now shifted to uncovering the entire supply chain.
"We are probing to identify the supplier and the manufacturer," stated a senior police officer involved in the case. This indicates that the authorities aim to dismantle the network responsible for producing and distributing these fake goods, which pose health risks and cause revenue losses to both the company and the exchequer.
The case highlights the ongoing challenges of counterfeit consumer goods in urban markets and the collaborative efforts between corporate vigilance and police action to combat such illegal activities.
