Leh: A joint inspection by the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) enforcement squad targeted shops in Leh’s main city and areas near educational institutions, leading to the seizure of a large quantity of illegal tobacco products.
The raid focused on violations of COTPA provisions, including the ban on selling tobacco within 100 yards of schools and to persons under 18 years of age. Despite repeated advisories, several shops were found flouting the rules.
The confiscated items — including 150 packets of cigarettes, 45 packets of bidi, 198 packets of Raj Niwas, 130 packets of Suvidha, 178 packets of Shikha, and a 50 kg bag of illegal bidi — were destroyed in the presence of squad members, under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC), Leh.
District authorities have warned shopkeepers to strictly comply with COTPA regulations. Failure to do so will invite strict legal action and penalties.
