In a major offensive against the illegal sale of e-cigarettes and hookah paraphernalia, the Nagpur Police have launched a sub-operation named ‘Mission Axe’ under the larger anti-drug campaign ‘Operation Thunder’. The crackdown resulted in the seizure of banned products worth ₹43.37 lakh across 17 locations on May 27, 2025.
Commissioner of Police Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal, who initiated the campaign, ordered swift action after receiving credible intelligence about widespread availability of e-cigarettes and nicotine-based products through outlets operating under the banner “Texas Smoke Shop.”
Simultaneous Raids Across 13 Police Jurisdictions
With high-level coordination and secrecy, 16 police teams—comprising 25 officers and 125 personnel—were deployed for simultaneous raids at 6 PM. The teams conducted inspections across 13 police station limits, registering 16 criminal cases and initiating action against 26 individuals.
Key locations raided included Texas Smoke Shop branches, paan shops, and a hidden warehouse operating out of a basement beneath a temple. Items seized include:
• E-cigarettes
• Nicotine liquids
• Hookah pots
• Flavored tobacco
• Charcoal and pipe accessories
• Gun-lighter devices
Major Seizures by Area:
• MIDC: ₹2.97 lakh
• Pratap Nagar: ₹5.87 lakh
• Sitabuldi, Sadar, Gittikhadan, Lakadganj: Combined ₹2.2 lakh
• Ajni: ₹2.18 lakh
• Wathoda & Hudkeshwar: ₹1.25 lakh
• Beltarodi: ₹3.66 lakh
• Nandanvan & Dighori warehouse: ₹21.51 lakh
• Jaripatka: ₹1.22 lakh
Kingpin Behind the Network Identified
Investigations point to Ashish alias Ankush Amritlal Shahu, who established the “Texas Smoke Shop” chain in Nagpur. Despite national restrictions on e-cigarettes, his franchise-style network was operating 14 outlets across the city.
Inspector Gajanan Gulhane of the NDPS Cell led a special team that uncovered the main storage unit—a concealed warehouse under a temple beside Shahu’s residence—where massive quantities of banned items were stocked.
Commissioner’s Warning: A Threat to Youth
Commissioner Singal underscored that the operation targets a growing health menace. The proliferation of hookah lounges and e-cigarette sales is pulling young people into addiction. Strict legal action under the NDPS Act, COTPA, and other laws is being pursued.
“We will continue the offensive until the city is free from such illegal and dangerous trades,” stated Singal, affirming the police department’s commitment to safeguarding public health through Operation Thunder and ongoing missions like ‘Mission Axe’.
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