The COTPA flying squad team led by SI (2nd O/C) Thungchio Ngullie from Police Station, Wokha along with the staff of National Tobacco Programme (NTCP), Dobashi (DBs) from District Administrative, Women Police personnel Wokha, carried out an enforcement operation in and around the town to reinforce COTPA 2003 Sections 4 and 6 on Tuesday.

According to these sections in the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, smoking in public places is prohibited, as is the sale of tobacco products within a 100-meter radius of any educational institution. Additionally, selling tobacco products to or by minors under the age of 18 is not allowed. Shopkeepers must display a sign stating that selling of tobacco products to or by minors under 18 years of age is a punishable offence.

During the raid the team penalised nine defaulters under COTPA 2023 Section 6(b) for selling tobacco products near educational institutions and seized the tobacco products from the shops falling within the restricted areas. The defaulters were penalised (Violators Under COTPA Sec 6b) with a fine of Rs 200.

The team informed that it will be conducting such kind of raid frequently in coming days. Further shopkeepers were directed to abide by the COTPA rules and regulations and warned that necessary legal action shall be initiated as per the provision of the Law.

The seized tobacco products were destroyed on Tuesday itself at Police Station, Wokha premises in presence of all the flying squad members.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play