Wed Jan 22 14:00:59 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Police Seize ₹3 Crore Worth of Contraband Tobacco in Major Bust
**KOCHI, January 22, 2025** – Kerala’s Ernakulam Rural police made a significant seizure of prohibited tobacco products on Wednesday, arresting one individual in connection with the operation. Over 500 sacks of contraband, estimated to be worth ₹3 crore (approximately $360,000 USD), were recovered from a godown in Perumbavoor. This is considered one of the largest such seizures in the state recently.
The arrested individual, identified as 54-year-old Kamarudheen of Ponnani, allegedly managed the godown at a timber depot in Mudikkal. Police had been surveilling the location for some time. The seized items included imported cigarettes, brands sold only in Kashmir and Union Territories, and various types of chewing tobacco.
Authorities believe the tobacco was smuggled from Bengaluru using lorries and distributed across the state and beyond through a network of agents. Police also recovered ₹1.12 lakh in cash and a currency counting machine from the godown. Kamarudheen is suspected to have employed migrant workers to assist him in his operations.
The raid was part of the ongoing Operation Clean, initiated by Ernakulam Rural District Police Chief Vaibhav Saxena. A large team of police officers participated in the operation. The investigation is ongoing.
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