Coimbatore tobacco raid leads to 40 arrests and 40 cases

Coimbatore police reported on October 10 that a joint operation against banned tobacco sales resulted in 40 arrests and the registration of 40 cases.

City and district police conducted the October 9 drive in coordination with the Food Safety Department. The action targeted outlets selling prohibited tobacco products.

A city police press release said teams inspected 213 locations and seized 53.536 kilograms of banned products during the operation.

Authorities recommended sealing 40 shops found to have violated the rules. The original police account described sealing as a recommendation following the inspections.

Police warned sellers of banned tobacco products that stringent legal action would follow. They also appealed to residents to share information about illegal sales with law enforcement agencies.