Mysuru: The District Tobacco Control Cell, under ‘The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 or COTPA 2003,’ launched a special drive and collected fines of more than Rs. 50,000 in the district in the last 20 days.

The officials of the District Tobacco Control Cell, Institute of Public Health and Police personnel, in a joint operation, raided shops and establishments, bars and restaurants near KSRTC Bus Stand, Ashoka Road, Chandragupta Road, Mandi Mohalla, Nehru Circle, St. Philomena’s Church and K.R. Market surroundings. They have taken action against those selling tobacco, cigarettes and other products near schools and colleges and sporting illegal tobacco advertisements.

District Surveillance and Tobacco Control Cell Nodal Officer Dr. Kusuma said, “We are creating a lot of awareness regarding the COTPA and the harmful effects of tobacco consumption in the district. Under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner, special raids are being conducted throughout the district. In the last 20 days, the drive is going on in the district and nearly 340  cases have been registered and Rs. 43, 000 fine collected. Apart from this, the drive in Mysuru city has begun and stringent action is being taken against those who are violating the Act. We have registered 65 cases and collected a fine of Rs. 7,500 so far.”

Dr. Chandrashekar of Institute of Public Health said, “Cigarette smoking and tobacco consumption has a very bad effect on the health of a person. Lakhs of lives are being lost to this unhealthy habit. Such raids will help in educating the youth and students and controlling the smoking habits.”

Lashkar Police Station ASI Mahadevappa, District Tobacco Control Cell Advisor Shivakumar, Mandi Mohalla Police staff, Health and Family Welfare Department officials and other officers participated in the raid.