Pune Police Bust Illegal E-Cigarette and Hookah Flavor Racket in Viman Nagar; Youth Arrested, Seizures Worth Rs 1.57 Lakh Made
Viman Nagar, 9th June 2026: In a swift and decisive crackdown on the illegal sale of prohibited tobacco and electronic smoking products, the Pune City Police raided an establishment in the upscale Viman Nagar area on Monday.
The operation, executed by the detection branch of the Vimantal Police Station, resulted in the arrest of a 22-year-old youth from Kerala and the seizure of banned e-cigarettes, chemical hookah flavors, and related contraband valued at ₹1.57 lakh.
Acting on a highly confidential tip-off received by Police Constable Lalu Karhe, the Vimantal Police discovered that banned e-cigarettes and tobacco-infused hookah flavors were being clandestinely sold to customers—particularly local youth and students—at the “Smoke Heaven Shop” located in the Neco Garden premises of Viman Nagar.
Surprise Raid and Arrest
Following the confirmation of the intelligence, a raid was authorized under the supervision of senior police leadership. A special team led by Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Nitin Rathod and accompanied by Constable Lalu Karhe raided the establishment.
During the search, the police apprehended the shop manager and salesperson, identified as Mohammad Faiz Farukh Sheikh (22). Sheikh, originally a native of Santhadka Charla, Kulur Post, Charla, in the Kasaragod district of Kerala State, was currently residing at Sparsh Villa in Balewadi, Pune.
A thorough search of the shop conducted in front of independent witnesses (panchas) led to the recovery of a massive cache of prohibited e-cigarettes, various banned chemical hookah flavors, and associated smoking paraphernalia. The total value of the seized contraband is estimated at ₹1,57,000/-.
Strict Legal Action Initiated
Following the raid, the Vimantal Police registered a criminal case (Crime Register No. 293/2026) against both Mohammad Faiz Farukh Sheikh and the shop owner under relevant provisions of the law banning electronic cigarettes and regulating tobacco products.
The successful operation was executed by team comprising Senior Police Inspector Govind Jadhav, Police Inspector (Crime) Mahesh Bolke, PSI Nitin Rathod, police personnel Rahul Joshi, Rupesh Pisal, Yogesh Thopte, Sachin Manjare, Ambadas Chavan, Lalu Karhe, Digambar Gore, Rajiv Tompe, Prashant Sutar, Asha Dhadwad, and Sana Sheikh.
