Hyderabad police seize banned e-cigarettes worth ₹8.7 lakh
HYDERABAD: A joint operation by the Hyderabad City Commissioner’s Task Force (Khairatabad Zone) and Mangalhat police led to the arrest of a man allegedly selling banned electronic cigarettes. Police seized 282 e-cigarettes valued at about ₹8,72,000.
Based on credible information, the task force raided a house in Lower Dhoolpet under Mangalhat police station limits on March 10, 2026 evening. Police identified and seized e-cigarettes of various brands, including Yuoto Beyonder, Elfbar and Raya D1, from Tikale Rohan, 23, a student.
Network procured stock through Mumbai agent, police say
Police said Rohan started the illegal trade with his associate Shivani Pratham, who is on the run. The duo allegedly procured banned e-cigarettes at low prices through an agent, Parveen Salman Zubair, in Mumbai.
The consignment was transported to Hyderabad through a parcel service and stored at the house. Police said Pratham attracted customers, mainly college students and youth, through WhatsApp groups, accepted payments via PhonePe and arranged deliveries through Rapido.
Police warn nicotine products pose serious health risks
Police warned that nicotine and harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes could lead to addiction among youth and cause severe health problems.
After the seizure, police handed over the accused to the Station House Officer of Mangalhat police station for further legal action. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Ande Srinivas Rao, with Khairatabad Task Force Inspector P. Raghavender, Sub-Inspector G. Sreekanth and staff.
