DRI officials seize over 92 lakh illegally-smuggled cigarettes of foreign origin worth Rs. 18.2 crore in Chennai
In its continued crackdown on illegal smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered yet another major attempt to flood the Indian market with foreign-origin cigarettes.
On 23rd June 2025, acting on precise intelligence inputs, the DRI Chennai Zonal Unit intercepted a container destined for J-Matadee Free Trade and Warehousing Zone (FTWZ). The consignment was declared as “Bathroom and sanitary fittings” — but what it really concealed was shocking.
???? Upon inspection, officials discovered 92.1 lakh sticks of foreign-origin cigarettes, cleverly concealed and mis-declared. Brands included:
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Manchester United Kingdom
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Manchester United Kingdom Special Edition
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Mac Ice Superslims Cool Blast
The total estimated value of the seized cigarettes? A staggering ₹18.2 crore.
What’s even more alarming is that these cigarette packs failed to comply with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, lacking the mandatory health warnings and proper packaging norms. This made them not just smuggled goods, but also a direct health hazard to unsuspecting consumers.
The seizure was made under the Customs Act, 1962, and a full-fledged investigation is currently underway to unearth the broader network behind this operation.
???? A Growing Concern
This isn’t an isolated case. In just the past year, the DRI has seized around 4.4 crore sticks of smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes from Chennai ports alone, with a combined value of ₹79.67 crore.
These repeated attempts highlight the growing threat of cigarette smuggling in India, not only causing massive revenue loss to the exchequer but also posing serious health risks to the public due to unregulated products.
????️ Let’s stay alert. Let’s stay informed.
Support the fight against smuggling. A safer, healthier India starts with awareness.