Kharghar: The Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of the Navi Mumbai Police raided a smoke shop located barely 50 metres from ITM College in Kharghar on Friday, October 2, and seized tobacco-based hookah flavours and smoking accessories worth around Rs 92,000.

Acting on information that the shop was allegedly selling tobacco-based hookah flavours and related products, a team led by Senior Police Inspector Sandeep Nigde raided The Smoke Shop at Bhoomi Tower, Sector 4, Kharghar around 12:30 p.m. on October 2.

During the search, police allegedly found a stock of tobacco-based hookah products kept for sale. The seized material included 300 boxes of various tobacco hookah flavours, six hookah pots and four hookah pipes, collectively valued at approximately Rs 92,000.

Police subsequently detained Mohammed Tajuddin Abdullah, 22, who was allegedly operating the shop. A case has been registered against him at Kharghar Police Station under the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), and further investigation is underway.

The raid was conducted after the ANC received information about the alleged sale of hookah flavours and tobacco products from the premises. The shop’s proximity to an educational institution also prompted concern, as it was operating within about 50 metres of the college.

The police action highlights enforcement against the sale of tobacco-based hookah products, particularly in areas frequented by students and around educational institutions. Further action will be taken based on the investigation and verification of the seized material.