Key points:
- Law enforcement success: The crime investigation department in Mumbai, India seized smuggled e-cigarettes worth around 3.2 million rupees (about $40,000) and arrested suspect Ravindra Kishore Dedia.
- Smuggling and sales details: The e-cigarettes involved were digital, with each unit able to provide 200-250 puffs. They were being sold in India for about 2,000 rupees per unit (around $23), while the price in China was 500 rupees per unit (about $6). The suspect transported the goods by sea and planned to sell them in South Mumbai shopping centers, Pune and other educational centers, distributing through agents to young people.
- E-cigarette usage trends: E-cigarette use is on the rise among youth and college students in India.
- Health risks: Health experts have confirmed that e-cigarettes can lead to lung diseases, breathing difficulties, and mental health issues, with many minors already being affected.
- Follow-up actions: The suspect is currently being interrogated, and authorities are working to identify other individuals involved in the smuggling network. The illegal supply of e-cigarettes by this group mainly targets young people.
2Firsts, September 29, 2025 - Dainikhawk reported on September 28 that in an effort to curb the growing e-cigarette craze among Indian youth, the Mumbai Crime Investigation Department's Second Division seized a shipment of e-cigarettes smuggled from China worth approximately 3.2 million rupees (approximately $40,000). A suspect, identified as Ravindra Kishore Dedia, was also arrested.
According to officials from the crime investigation department, the seized e-cigarettes are in digital form, with each one capable of delivering 200 to 250 puffs. In India, each e-cigarette sells for around 2000 rupees (approximately 23 US dollars), while in China, the price is only 500 rupees (about 6 US dollars) per unit. The defendants are expected to make huge profits, so they started this smuggling operation during the lockdown period.
Due to increased scrutiny by customs authorities, the suspects opted to transport the goods via sea route. They planned to sell the seized items in major shopping centers in South Mumbai and Pune, as well as in main education hubs. The suspects also intended to distribute these e-cigarettes to young people through agents.
The use of e-cigarettes is rapidly increasing, particularly among adolescents and college students. However, health experts believe that e-cigarettes can lead to lung diseases, breathing difficulties, and mental health issues. Of concern is that many minors are also becoming victims of e-cigarette use.
Officials from the criminal investigation department stated that the suspect is currently being questioned and efforts are underway to confirm other individuals involved in the smuggling network. Authorities believe that the syndicate illegally supplied e-cigarettes, primarily targeting young people.
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