“Customs Crackdown: Seizure and Destruction of Smuggled Contraband”

Introduction:

In a significant operation against the illegal import of foreign-origin cigarettes and other contrabands, the Customs Commissionerate in Indore, under the Bhopal Zone, executed the destruction of a substantial quantity of smuggled goods. This operation targeted the unlawful trafficking of cigarettes and related products, aiming to uphold the integrity of customs regulations and protect public health.

Seizure and Destruction:

On February 28, 2024, the Customs Commissionerate in Indore conducted a raid in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, where they seized and subsequently destroyed 40.86 lakh sticks of foreign-origin cigarettes. Additionally, 2000 foreign-origin cigars and 557 boxes of rolling papers, all smuggled into India, were confiscated and destroyed. The estimated value of the destroyed contraband amounted to approximately Rs. 3.89 crores.

Contraband Seized:

The seized cigarettes, cigars, and rolling papers did not adhere to the provisions and conditions specified under “The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Rules, 2008” and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules 2011. Brands including Paris, Gudang Garam, Dunhill, among others, were among the foreign-origin products unlawfully smuggled into India.

Violation of Customs Act:

These products were smuggled into the country in clear violation of the provisions outlined in the Indian Customs Act, 1962. The smuggling operation involved misdeclaration tactics to evade customs scrutiny and import duties.

Non-Compliance:

Furthermore, the seized cigarettes and other tobacco products were non-compliant with statutory guidelines and warnings. They lacked the mandatory pictorial health warnings mandated by the “Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act, 2003” (COTPA, 2003).

Misdeclaration and Smuggling:

The smuggled cigarettes and tobacco products are typically trafficked into the country without payment of customs duties and GST. Smuggling syndicates engage in misdeclaration tactics or disguise the goods as other items to circumvent duty payment and regulatory compliance.

Violation of Statutory Guidelines:

The confiscated goods were found to be in direct violation of statutory guidelines related to packaging, labelling, and health warnings mandated for tobacco products. This non-compliance posed significant risks to public health and safety.

Disposal of Seized Goods:

Due to their non-compliance and the risk they posed to public health, the seized cigarettes and tobacco products were disposed of through destruction. The disposal process adhered to prescribed guidelines, with the assistance of officers from the Central CGST, Raipur, officers from Customs ICD, Raipur, and officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

Conclusion:

The crackdown on the illegal import of foreign-origin cigarettes and contraband by the Customs Commissionerate in Indore underscores the commitment to enforcing customs regulations and safeguarding public health. Through diligent enforcement actions and collaborative efforts, authorities continue to combat smuggling activities and protect the integrity of customs laws.