The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Thoothukudi, has seized e-cigarettes worth ₹10.41 crore smuggled from China into the district.
The seizure was made on November 27, and the DRI officials arrested three persons the following day in connection with the smuggling operation.
According to DRI sources, the e-cigarettes were being smuggled inside a container that arrived from Shekou port in China. Acting on a tip off, the officials intercepted and inspected the containers. The documents indicated that the container carried umbrellas imported for a private company.
However, suspecting foul play, the DRI officials opened the container and found that only a few rows had been stacked with umbrellas. Behind them, 45,000 pieces of e-cigarettes were found concealed. The value of the seized e-cigarettes was estimated at approximately ₹10.41 crore.
During inquiry, it was revealed that R. Nagaraj, 43, from Alappuzha, V. K. Rajkumar, 46, and G. Swaminathan, 56, from Chennai had arranged the smuggling operation for monetary benefits. They allegedly planned to transport the e-cigarettes from Thoothukudi to Chennai for sale.
Following their arrest, the accused were produced before the Judicial Magistrate, Thoothukudi, and were subsequently remanded to judicial custody at Perurani district jail. Further investigation is under way.
Published – December 01, 2025 07:08 pm IST
