Chennai: The department of public health on Monday seized Rs 27 lakh worth cigarettes, while the food safety department confiscated Rs 6 lakh worth tobacco during regular investigations in Flower Bazaar at Sowcarpet.
“According to the recent addition to the Government of India’s Tobacco Control Act, implemented since April 1, 2016, 85 per cent of the cigarette boxes are expected to have pictorial warnings on them. Products will be seized from those who do not comply with the rules,” said Dr Kolandaisamy, director of public health.
The food safety department, while inspecting on Uttarapan and Kandappa Streets in Sowcarpet, came across two transport companies that had illegally stored the Hans brand of tobacco.
“From one area, we seized 30 bundles, equivalent to 750 kg (Rs 4 lakh) of Hans tobacco, and from the other area, 10 bundles that is equivalent to 500 kg (Rs 2 lakh) of the same brand. We confiscated the tobacco. Since it is a large quantity, we are proceeding with it legally – waiting for someone to claim it. If they fail to do so, we will destroy the tobacco,” said Dr R. Kachiravan, designated officer, food safety department.
The two departments conduct raids on a regular basis. “Last week, we confiscated a very small amount of tobacco, so we destroyed it,” added Dr Kachiravan.
