Delhi’s Department of Trade and Taxes announced that its GST enforcement unit seized around 4.20 lakh imported ‘Esse Light’ cigarettes during a routine night inspection carried out by Anti‑Evasion Branch‑II. The haul, valued at nearly Rs 65 lakh, was intercepted in recent days as part of a broader crackdown on tax evasion and illicit tobacco movement within the national capital.
The seizure comes against the backdrop of India’s stringent excise and GST regime on tobacco products. High duties on cigarettes create a lucrative incentive for smuggling and illegal distribution, prompting state authorities to deploy specialised anti‑evasion teams. The GST team’s mandate includes verifying that all tobacco imports comply with customs duties, excise taxes and state‑level GST obligations, thereby protecting revenue and public health.
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Anti‑Evasion Branch‑II, a specialised unit within the department, conducted the operation as part of its regular surveillance schedule. Officials noted that the night‑time inspection targeted a storage facility suspected of housing contraband tobacco. The seized cigarettes were identified as the premium brand ‘Esse Light’, a product typically imported for the Indian market but subject to strict licensing and tax compliance requirements.
Financially, the Rs 65 lakh worth of seized cigarettes represents a significant loss for the illegal trade network and a direct boost to the state’s revenue collection. By removing the contraband from circulation, the department aims to deter future attempts at tax evasion and curb the availability of untaxed tobacco, which can undermine public‑health initiatives aimed at reducing smoking prevalence.
Department officials emphasized that the operation underscores the government’s commitment to vigilant enforcement. They indicated that additional inspections are planned across key entry points and storage hubs in Delhi, with the Anti‑Evasion Branch‑II continuing its night‑time patrols to intercept further illicit tobacco consignments.
