The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully busted a major smuggling operation involving prohibited electronic cigarettes worth Rs. 10.41 crore at Tuticorin Port. Three persons have been arrested in connection with the case.

Based on specific intelligence that a gang involved in smuggling of e-cigarettes had planned to import a container containing e-cigarettes from China into India through Tuticorin Port in the guise of umbrella, officers of the DRI intercepted and examined the said container at Tuticorin on 27th November 2025.

During examination of the said container, some cartons were found to contain the declared cargo of umbrellas, while a substantial portion was found to contain e-cigarettes concealed behind them. A total of 45,984 e-cigarettes of assorted flavors totally valued at Rs. 10.41 crore, concealed with 4,300 numbers of umbrellas worth Rs. 4.30 lakh, were found and seized on 27th November 2025 under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

Acting swiftly, officers apprehended three Chennai-based individuals involved in clearing the consignment were apprehended and arrested under provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

The import of e-cigarettes is prohibited under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 (PECA Act) read with DGFT Notification No. 20/2015-2020 dated 26th September 2019 and further under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

The DRI remains committed in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests and public health by curbing the smuggling of prohibited and harmful goods like e-cigarette through constant vigilance and enforcement actions across the country.

E-cigarette smuggling ring busted; nearly 46,000 devices seized and imports prohibited under law at Tuticorin Port. DRI officers intercepted a container at Tuticorin, seized 45,984 concealed electronic cigarettes valued at about Rs. 10.41 crore (with 4,300 umbrellas valued at Rs. 4.30 lakh), and arrested three persons; the import of e-cigarettes is prohibited under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act and enforced under the Customs Act, 1962 and DGFT trade control notifications.