Hyderabad Police Conduct Major Crackdown on Illegal Tobacco Sales Near Schools

Hyderabad Police have conducted an expansive enforcement operation targeting the illegal tobacco trade across the city, particularly in areas surrounding schools and educational institutions. Dubbed "Operation Safe School," the April initiative was launched following intelligence gathered by Grahak Chetna Trust, which worked alongside other sources to identify locations involved in contraband tobacco sales.

The coordinated multi-agency operation swept through numerous high-risk zones including Charminar, Golconda, Rajender Nagar, Secunderabad, Jubilee Hills, Shamshabad, and Malakpet. Enforcement teams conducted simultaneous raids on several hundred outlets throughout Hyderabad, initiating legal proceedings against more than 500 establishments found to be in violation of tobacco sales regulations.

A primary focus of the crackdown was vendors operating in close proximity to schools and those allegedly supplying tobacco products to minors. Authorities seized illicit tobacco items valued at approximately INR 1.10 crore during the operation, including contraband cigarettes, gutkha, and other prohibited tobacco products commonly distributed near schools and restricted areas.

According to officials, the effectiveness and precision of Operation Safe School were substantially amplified by the credible intelligence supplied by Grahak Chetna Trust. The information was meticulously verified and operationalized by enforcement personnel throughout the planning and execution stages of the drive.

The operation reflects Hyderabad Police's determination to protect children and safeguard educational spaces while underscoring the significance of civil society collaboration in enhancing law enforcement effectiveness.

Suresh Kaushik, Principal Trustee of Grahak Chetna Trust, praised the swift response from law enforcement. "We commend the police for acting promptly on the information provided by our organization and for pursuing these cases with diligence. There is a critical need to address the illicit cigarette trade and eliminate this problem through robust enforcement measures," he said.

Kaushik emphasized that the illicit tobacco trade represents a substantial and escalating threat to public health and the broader society. "Government revenues are being lost, legitimate businesses face unfair competition, and consumers are exposed to unregulated products," he noted. The organization remains dedicated to consumer education and awareness campaigns regarding illicit, counterfeit, and contraband goods across India.

Grahak Chetna Trust has pledged to continue its partnership with enforcement agencies to suppress the illegal trade in contraband goods and safeguard consumer interests.