Bhatkal Police seize E-Cigarettes, Vapes worth Rs 2.39 lakh in major raid

Bhatkal: 03 September 2025 (Bhatkallys News Bureau)  Police in Bhatkal town carried out a late-night raid on September 1, 2025, seizing a large quantity of banned electronic cigarettes and vape liquids worth Rs 2.39 lakh.

The accused, identified as Makbul (50), son of Ismail Madikal, a resident of Magdoom Colony, Bandar Road, Gulzar Street, Bhatkal, had allegedly stocked the items at a shop in the Town Centre without any valid licence. Police said the seizure included 51 electronic cigarettes and 154 nicotine liquid refills meant for vapes.

The case has been registered under Crime No. 102/2025, invoking Sections 7 and 8 of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019.

The operation was conducted under the guidance of Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police, Dr. Deepan M.N., Additional SPs Krishnamurthy G. and Jagadeesh Naik, and Bhatkal DySP Mahesh M.K. The raid team was led by Bhatkal Town Police Inspector Divakar P.M. along with PSIs Naveen S. Naik and Thimmappa S., supported by police staff including CHCs Dinesh Naik and Deepak Naik, and several CPCs.

SP Dr. Deepan commended the officers and staff involved in the operation for their efficient action in curbing the illegal sale of e-cigarettes.