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Smuggling in India Report 2024-25 96

CigareĴe Smuggling: Undermining Public Health &
Economy

The Parties recognize that the elimination of all forms of illicit trade in tobacco
products, including smuggling, illicit manufacturing and counterfeiting, and the
development and implementation of related national law, in addition to subre-
gional, regional and global agreements, are essential components of tobacco con-
trol.
-Article 15, WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, 2005

India enforces strict anti-tobacco laws, including the Cigarettes and Other Tobac-
co Products Act, 2003 (COTPA) and was among the first to ratify the WHO Tobac-
co Control Framework, 2005. The illicit cigarette trade thrives due to high taxes
and import duties. It is driven by organized syndicates and black markets, causing
revenue loss and undermining public health goals. Smuggled cigarettes often orig-
inate from Southeast Asia, entering India via the Myanmar border, Middle Eastern
Free Trade Zones, maritime containers, and passenger baggage. DRI has demon-
strated efficiency in combating the smuggling of cigarettes and other tobacco
products across India’s borders.

Air Route
₹17.54 crore

Sea Route Land Route
₹54.29 crore ₹58.56 crore

Figure 1: Value of cigarettes seized route-wise

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