Haryana’s excise and taxation department struck gold in Nuh’s Bichhor area, nabbing a truck brimming with fake Gold Flake cigarettes valued at nearly 50 lakh rupees. The dramatic seizure occurred at a routine check post on February 6, turning a quiet night into a major breakthrough against smuggling.
Inspectors stopped the truck for inspection and discovered 86,000 sticks hidden inside, all branded as Gold Flake but missing crucial paperwork like bills or e-way documents. Doubts about authenticity led them to reach out to the legitimate manufacturer.
ITC’s Priyojit Chatterjee wasted no time, declaring the batch counterfeit and demanding legal action through a written complaint. He stressed the trademark infringement, noting how such fakes undermine brand integrity and violate multiple laws.
Preliminary details point to the vehicle belonging to a transport firm based in Andhra Pradesh, but verifications are underway. On Monday, police lodged an FIR invoking provisions from criminal laws, tobacco regulations, and intellectual property statutes.
Speaking to reporters, SI Subhash detailed the sequence: GST team’s alert prompted the company’s input, culminating in charges against unknowns. DSP Rana outlined the probe’s scope—tracing supply chains, identifying culprits, and grilling the driver.
This incident underscores the sophisticated rackets peddling adulterated smokes, which evade taxes and pose health risks. With black market tobacco thriving, such raids are vital to protect consumers and legitimate businesses. Expect arrests soon as the investigation intensifies.