92 banned vapes seized in raids on two outlets in Madhapur, four arrested

The EAGLE Force and the Madhapur police apprehended four persons and seized 92 banned e-cigarettes/vapes following raids at two outlets. Officers said that they allegedly used WhatsApp, Instagram and delivery services to sell the prohibited products.

The raids were conducted on Thursday (October 1) at Smokin Spot in Madhapur and Holy Smoke at Kaveri Hills, Phase II. Apart from the vapes, 15 packets of foreign cigarettes and two scanners were seized.

At Smokin Spot, police apprehended employees Abdul Arshad K.M., 29, and Mohammed Adil, 21. Investigators alleged that the outlet was owned by Mohammad Haneef Ujar Moideen, 31, who is presently in Kerala.

According to an officer from EAGLE, information about available vapes was circulated through a WhatsApp group called ‘Smokin Spot’, which had 79 members, and an Instagram account. Customers allegedly placed orders through these channels, while Rapido was used on some occasions for door deliveries. Payments were allegedly routed to two bank accounts belonging to Haneef.

At Holy Smoke, Abdul Rasheed P.M., 28, and Chiyabuddin, 35, were apprehended. Police said the brothers had allegedly been operating the business for about four years and procuring vapes from Rehaman, a native of Kerala.

Their elder brother Mohiyuddin, who is currently in Kerala, allegedly managed WhatsApp-based operations remotely. Customers could purchase the products over the counter using cash or QR-code payments, while Porter platform was allegedly used for some deliveries.

Police said Chiyabuddin had previously been booked in February this year in connection with the alleged sale of e-cigarettes at Madhapur. Haneef, Rehaman and Mohiyuddin are absconding, according to the agency.

Two cases were registered at Madhapur police station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act and Juvenile Justice Act.

Investigators are now tracing the source of the vapes, examining financial transactions and attempting to establish the extent of the supply network. The role of delivery personnel or service providers, if any, will also be examined based on evidence, EAGLE Force said.