Police bust interstate cigarette supply network in Hyderabad, man arrested

A 28-year-old man was arrested for selling banned e-cigarettes and foreign cigarettes through an outlet in Raidurgam, with investigators suspecting the store was part of a wider interstate supply network involving online orders and door-to-door deliveries.

The accused was identified as Aboobacker Siddique, a native of Kerala, who worked as a manager of Smokin Spot in Raidurgam and stayed in a private hostel in Madhapur. The police seized 46 electronic cigarettes, 49 packs of foreign cigarettes, two mobile phones and two digital payment scanners in the store. The owner, Mohammed Shareef, and the suspected contractor, Arshad, both natives of Kerala, are being traced.

According to investigators, Shareef appointed Siddique as manager in March 2026 with a monthly salary of ₹25,000. Nihad Ahmed, a native of Karnataka, worked at the outlet and reportedly trained Siddique before leaving after about a month. Arshad was identified as the supplier of e-cigarettes to the shop and is currently on the run.

The investigation revealed that customers were informed about the availability of different vape brands through WhatsApp messages. The mobile number was reportedly used exclusively for business communication and order coordination. Payments were collected through digital scanners linked to bank accounts, as well as cash and UPI transactions at the store. Deliveries were allegedly arranged through Rapido.

The store reportedly sold around 107 e-cigarettes during October and November at prices ranging from ₹2,800 to ₹4,000 depending on their capacity. Investigators are examining seized cellphones, payment scanners and financial records to identify customers, suppliers and others involved in the business.

The possible use of multiple retail stores, shipping services and digital payment channels is also being explored. The suspected involvement of delivery platforms such as Rapido, Porter and Uber is under investigation, although the knowledge or involvement of individual platforms and delivery personnel has yet to be established.

The nationwide enforcement action against the illegal trade has so far resulted in 11 cases, 18 arrests and 21 escapes, with approximately 1,619 packs of e-cigarettes seized. Further investigations are underway to trace the purported supplier, identify the source of purchase and identify those financing and facilitating the deal.

Published – 12 Nov 2026 22:13 IST