In a move aimed at curbing tobacco menace in public places, officials of the District Health and Family Welfare Department  carried out a drive  and booked cases against 33 persons for illegal sale of tobacco products under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003 (COTPA) Act and collected a fine of Rs. 5,100 from them.

During the raid, the officials even seized duplicate cigars and beddies. Public who face inconvenience by smokers and tobacco users can capture a video or click a photo and upload the same on the website www.cotpa.kar.nic.in and the complainants have to mention the place and description of the incident. Based on the complaint, Police will take action against the smokers and also the person engaged in the selling of the tobacco products.

Police will monitor and take stringent action against those selling cigarette or tobacco products to minors violating COTPA Act.

Metagalli Inspector H.T. Sunilkumar and officials of the Health and Family Welfare Department took part in the raids.