Two arrests in separate raids trace e-cigarette supply chain linking Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Karimnagar

E-cigarettes and vapes seized during the operation. | Photo Credit: By Arrangement

A 26-year-old man was arrested in Hyderabad on Saturday (November 14) for supplying banned e-cigarettes to customers in Hyderabad and Karimnagar, following the arrest of another person in Karimnagar two days earlier.

The Hyderabad accused, Rahil Khan, alias Omer, a salesman from Charminar, was apprehended in Mirchowk while carrying 19 e-cigarettes and a mobile phone. The earlier raid was conducted at a hotel in Karimnagar on November 12, where Mohammed Asif was caught while selling 12 banned e-cigarettes to a minor.

During questioning, Asif told investigators about a person named Aayan and Omer in Hyderabad. The products were reportedly transported to Karimnagar on more than 20 occasions through Sri Rama Transport in Feelkhana, Hyderabad. Payments were made through Google Pay using payment scanner codes shared by Rahil.

An officer said that he initially procured the products from Abubakar, owner of Al Ayaan Hookah in Secunderabad. “A case had been registered against him at Banjara Hills police station in 2024 in connection with the illegal trade,” said the officer.

Around seven months ago, Rahil established contact with Adil, owner of Adil Enterprises in Kolkata, after visiting the city to purchase clothes. Adil subsequently supplied e-cigarettes to him through ZS Logistics Courier Solutions.

Police are examining the seized mobile phone, bank transactions, digital payment records and courier details to establish the complete supply chain and identify other persons involved.

Published - November 15, 2026 07:22 pm IST