Police seize banned tobacco products worth ₹7 crore in Ernakulam
Seven people were arrested during a midnight raid on a warehouse in Aluva as part of the state's anti-drug drive.
The Ernakulam Rural police seized banned tobacco products worth approximately ₹7 crore from a warehouse in Keezhmad, Aluva, according to reports by The Hindu and Rediff.
The seizure, which took place during a midnight raid on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, involved 15 lakh packets of tobacco products stored in 785 sacks. The products were reportedly brought in large vehicles from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Mangaluru for distribution across Kerala.
Seven individuals were arrested in connection with the raid. The arrested include the alleged kingpin Ayub, 40, of Uliyannoor in Aluva, and six natives of Rajasthan: Jagaram, 22, Narpat Lal, 28, Bawar Ram, 20, Anil Kumar, 19, Bavesh Kumar, 19, and Swaroop Ram, 20.
The operation, known as Operation Toofan, was conducted by the Edathala police following a confidential tip-off received by District Police Chief (Ernakulam Rural) K.S. Sudarsan.
The investigation team included Narcotics Cell DySP C. Binukumar, Aluva DYSP Baiju Paulose, Circle Inspector P.M. Shameer, and Edathala Station House Officer S.S.
Sreelal.