Crackdown on COTPA Violation: Mangaluru Police Takes Action Against 153 Shop Owners

Crackdown on COTPA Violation: Mangaluru Police Takes Action Against 153 Shop Owners

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 25, 2023: In an effort to combat drug abuse, the city police initiated a campaign on Saturday, June 24, by taking legal action against shop owners located near educational institutions for alleged possession and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products. These actions were carried out under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA).

A total of 348 shops situated within 100 meters of educational institutions were inspected during simultaneous raids conducted under all 15 police station limits of the Commissionerate from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Among these, 153 shops were found to be in possession of cigarettes, gutka, and other tobacco products. The shop owners were charged under COTPA and fined ₹200 each. They were also cautioned against further storage and sale of tobacco products.

The initiative was undertaken in response to the recent directive by Home Minister G. Parameshwara to eradicate drug-related issues in the Coastal Karnataka region. Anti-drug activists had urged the police to effectively enforce COTPA in order to prevent students from accessing cigarettes and other tobacco products, which are often considered a gateway to drug consumption.

Mr. Jain stated that the enforcement of COTPA would be carried out in conjunction with the city police’s anti-drug campaign. Surprise visits to shops will continue to take place, resulting in legal action being taken under COTPA. Additionally, individuals found smoking in public places will be subject to legal consequences. He emphasized that these efforts will persist until the sale of tobacco products ceases in the shops.