Delhi Anti‑Evasion Team Seizes Rs 65 Lakh Worth of Illegal ‘ESSE Light’ Cigarettes

The anti‑evasion wing of Delhi's Business and Tax Department seized a vehicle loaded with illegal tobacco products during a scheduled inspection. Officials reported that the haul comprised roughly 4.20 lakh imported ESSE Light cigarettes, valued at about Rs 65 lakh.

The seizure was part of a routine verification exercise aimed at curbing tax evasion and the illicit trade of tobacco goods that bypass customs and tax regulations. The cigarettes were not cleared for sale in India, making the shipment a clear violation of import and tax laws.

Department officials said the action underscores the government's intensified focus on dismantling illegal tobacco networks that deprive the exchequer of revenue and pose health risks to consumers. The confiscated stock will be handed over to the appropriate enforcement agencies for further legal proceedings.

Investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the shipment and identify any additional parties involved in the unlawful trade.