Sale of contraband cigarettes goes unabated in UT of J&K

Jammu, November 6

Cigarettes of international brands are being smuggled into the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, causing huge loss to exchequer and affecting health of smokers. Medical practitioners said, “These cigarettes do not have the name, address, manufacturer, importer and manufacturing date and MRP as per the guidelines.”

As per the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003, a packet of cigarette or any other tobacco product must have clear pictorial warning, detail of nicotine and tar content volume, besides other information, including name and address of manufacturing company.

Manoj Prabakar, Deputy Controller, Legal Metrology Department, Jammu, said, “Imported cigarettes which do not adhere to the Indian guidelines are illegal in market. We have received complaints in this regard and have seized some consignment.” — OC