Kasaragod: Two held for smuggling illegal tobacco into Kerala

Mangalore Today News Network

Kasaragod, Aug 14, 2025: Officials of the Manjeshwar Excise Department have seized tobacco products worth around Rs 2 lakh that were being smuggled from Karnataka to Kerala by car and arrested two persons.

The arrested have been identified as Afzal (32) and Ashraf (30), both residents of Vadagara. During a vehicle inspection in Manjeshwar on Wednesday, officials intercepted a car and found about 214 kg of tobacco products being illegally transported.

Investigations revealed that the accused had been supplying and selling tobacco products to various parts of Kerala. Police stated that they are part of a network involved in smuggling and selling banned tobacco products in the state.