The Ministry of Finance announced on 28 October 2026 that the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized over 55,000 smuggled e-cigarettes at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata on 24 October 2026. The items, valued at Rs 13.50 crore, were hidden in two Nepal-bound containers mis-declared as water glass and ceramic mugs. These products are prohibited in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019. For the 2026-27 financial year, the DRI has seized around 3,00,000 e-cigarettes worth more than Rs 120 crore across various locations.
Key points
- Seized: Over 55,000 e-cigarettes valued at Rs 13.50 crore
- Location: Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata
- Method: Hidden in containers mis-declared as water glass and ceramic mugs
- FY 2026-27 Total: Around 3,00,000 e-cigarettes worth over Rs 120 crore seized
When it applies
- seizure of e-cigarettes at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port
- period for reported total seizures
Who it affects
- Nepal-bound transshipment consignment
Refers to
- Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019
- Customs Act