Two held after huge cache of banned tobacco products seized in Kollam

Thiruvananthapuram: Kollam West police arrested two persons on Sunday over the incident in which 109 sacks of banned tobacco products were seized from a pickup truck during a vehicle inspection near Anandavalleswaram Temple on NH-66.

Police identified the arrested persons as Sajin, 22, of Adayamon in Thiruvananthapuram and Shibu, 44, of Nilamel, Kollam. Sajin was the driver of the vehicle owned by Shibu.

The incident happened early Saturday morning. Upon noticing the vehicle inspection, the driver tried to turn the truck suddenly. However, the truck got stuck on the median and the driver fled the scene on foot, abandoning the vehicle. When the vehicle was examined, police found the banned tobacco products in sacks.

Police registered a case over the incident under section 77 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act-2015, 118 (i) of Kerala Police Act-2011 and sections six and 24 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act-2003.

"Using the registration number, we identified the vehicle owner, but he claimed ignorance by stating that the vehicle was given for rent. From the information provided by him, we reached the driver and during the probe, it was found that both were equally involved in the crime. The items were brought for supply to school students in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram as per the direction of Shibu," said police.

Police then added sections of the JJ Act in the case. "Cotpa can attract only a Rs 200 fine, but we added the JJ Act considering the fact that the items were brought for supply to students. It is a non-bailable offence," added police.

The accused were remanded after being produced before a court.