Delhi Police’s North District DIU team has recovered imported contraband cigarettes worth ₹40 lakh in a major crackdown, apprehending one accused during a late-evening raid at Kashmere Gate.
Acting on secret information received on 6 February 2026, a dedicated team comprising SI Prabash, SI Ashok Tomar, and ASI Suresh under the supervision of ACP Sushil Kumar swiftly moved into action. The raid was conducted at Khoya/Mewa Mandi, Kashmere Gate, where a tempo was found loaded with plastic bags containing cartons of imported cigarettes.
The accused, identified as Sanjay Aggarwal (51), resident of Ambala, Haryana, was apprehended on the spot. Police recovered 10 plastic bags containing 30 cartons with nearly 3,00,000 sticks of imported cigarettes branded as “Esse Special Gold The Leader’s Signature Super Slim”.
These cigarettes are prohibited in India as they lacked the mandatory health warnings mandated by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The seizure highlights the growing menace of counterfeit and contraband tobacco products being circulated in the market, posing both health risks and economic losses.
During questioning, Aggarwal confessed to being involved in the illegal trade for the past six years. He sourced the cigarettes from Patparganj Industrial Area, Delhi, and distributed them across Haryana and Punjab, where demand was reportedly high. On the day of his arrest, he had purchased the consignment in the morning and was waiting to transport it further when police intercepted him.
A case has been registered under FIR No. 77/2026 at PS Kashmere Gate, and further investigation is underway to trace the supply chain and identify other individuals involved in this racket.
Recovery
- Contraband seized: 3,00,000 sticks of imported cigarettes
- Estimated value: ₹40 lakh
- Accused: Sanjay Aggarwal, 51, resident of Ambala, Haryana
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