By The News Observer Desk,
Bhatkal, Uttara Kannada:
In a significant crackdown on the illegal sale of prohibited tobacco-related products, the Bhatkal Town Police have seized a large quantity of banned electronic cigarettes and nicotine vape refills during a special operation conducted within their jurisdiction. A trader involved in the unlawful sale has been arrested.
Acting on specific information, police carried out a late-night raid on January 1 at a shop located in the Dubai Market near Hoovina Chowk in Bhatkal town. During the operation, officers recovered banned electronic cigarettes and nicotine liquid refills collectively valued at ₹1,38,500.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused was selling e-cigarettes and nicotine-based vaping products without obtaining any valid licence or authorization, in clear violation of existing laws. The sale, storage, and distribution of such products are strictly prohibited under Indian law due to their adverse impact on public health, especially among youth.
The arrested individual has been identified as Siddiq Abdul Rehman alias Mastan, a resident of Karagadde 2nd Cross, Bhatkal. From his shop, the police seized 38 electronic cigarettes worth ₹76,000 and 125 nicotine liquid refill units (vapes) valued at ₹62,500.
Following the seizure, the Bhatkal Town Police registered a case under Crime No. 01/2026, invoking Sections 7 and 8 of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019. Further investigation is currently underway to determine the source of the banned products and whether a larger network is involved.
The operation was conducted under the guidance of Deputy Superintendent of Police Mahesh M.K., and led by Bhatkal Town Police Inspector Divakar P.M. The raiding team included PSI Naveen Naik and police personnel Uday Naik, Deepak Naik, Mahantesh Hiremath, Kashinath Kotagonasi, Suresh Marathi, Jagadish Naik, and Revanasiddappa Magi.
Police officials reiterated their commitment to enforcing the law strictly and warned traders against dealing in banned substances, stating that such violations would invite stringent legal action.
What Is an E-Cigarette?
An e-cigarette, also known as an electronic cigarette or vape, is a battery-powered electronic device designed to deliver nicotine to the user by heating a liquid and turning it into an aerosol that is inhaled. Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes do not burn tobacco or produce smoke; instead, they generate vapour.
How an E-Cigarette Works
An e-cigarette typically consists of three main parts:
- Battery – powers the device
- Heating element (coil) – heats the liquid
- Cartridge or tank – contains a liquid solution
When activated, the device heats the liquid—commonly called e-liquid or vape juice—which usually contains nicotine, flavouring agents, and chemicals such as propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin. The heated liquid turns into vapour, which the user inhales.
Types of E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes are available in various forms, including:
- Vape pens
- Pod-based systems
- Disposable vapes
- Advanced personal vaporizers (mods)
Many of these products are designed to look attractive and are often sold in flavoured varieties, increasing their appeal among young users.
Health Risks and Concerns
Although e-cigarettes are sometimes marketed as safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes, medical experts warn that they pose serious health risks. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm brain development in adolescents and young adults. E-cigarette vapour may also contain harmful chemicals and fine particles that can damage the lungs and heart.
Legal Status in India
In India, the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of e-cigarettes are banned under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019. The ban was introduced to protect public health, particularly to prevent youth from developing nicotine addiction.
Reporting by Saikiran Babrekar
