Illegal cigarette manufacturing unit busted in Meerut

Police in Meerut's Hastinapur area, working alongside officials from a leading cigarette company, conducted a raid on an unauthorized manufacturing unit located in Dudhli village on Tuesday. The operation resulted in the discovery of a fully operational clandestine factory engaged in the production of counterfeit cigarettes.

During the search of the building, authorities recovered substantial quantities of illicit cigarettes, raw materials, packaging supplies, and manufacturing machinery. Officials said the seized goods were valued at several lakhs of rupees. Preliminary investigations suggest the unit had been operating covertly, likely supplying counterfeit products to local markets.

The raid marks the latest in a series of enforcement actions against illegal cigarette manufacturing in the region. Authorities have intensified surveillance and crackdowns on unlicensed production units that circumvent excise duties and quality regulations. The case has been registered and further investigations are underway to identify individuals involved in the operation and its distribution network.

The seizure comes as state and central authorities continue efforts to combat the growing menace of counterfeit tobacco products, which pose health risks to consumers and result in significant revenue losses for the exchequer.