Police seize banned tobacco worth Rs 7 crore in Aluva, arrest seven
Seven people, including six natives of Rajasthan, were arrested during a raid on a godown as part of Operation Toofan.
Kerala Police seized banned tobacco products valued at approximately Rs 7 crore from a godown in Aluva, according to Rediff. Seven individuals were arrested during the raid, which was conducted as part of the anti-drug drive Operation Toofan.
The Edathala police conducted the search in the Chakkamkulangara area of Keezhamadu village during the night between November 4 and November 5. The operation followed a tip-off received by District Police Chief K S Sudarshan.
Police arrested the operations leader, Ayub, who resides in Aluva, along with six Rajasthan natives identified as Jagaram (22), Narpat Lal (28), Bavara Ram (20), Anil Kumar (19), Bavesh Kumar (19) and Swaroop Ram (20).
The raid uncovered 785 sacks containing over 15 lakh packets of tobacco products. Each packet is priced at more than Rs 50.
The seized products were transported to Kerala from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Mangaluru in large vehicles for distribution across the state. While the godown operated without arousing suspicion, the area was under surveillance.
The investigation team included Narcotics Cell Deputy Superintendent P C Binukumar, Aluva DySP Baiju Paulose, Circle Inspector P M Shemir and Edathala SHO S S Sreelal.