Anti-tobacco drive in Panchkula: Shops fined, FIR lodged

Panchkula: A three-member enforcement team carried out surprise inspections across the city, cracking down on violations of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (Cotpa), 2003.Acting on directions of FDA commissioner Dr Manoj Kumar and additional deputy commissioner Nisha Yadav, the team inspected several establishments, including Pramod Pan (Sector 14), Ajay Pan (Sector 5), Manoj Dhaba (Sector 22), Amit Patel (Sector 15) and Pintu Pan Bhandar (Sector 5).All five outlets were fined Rs 200 each for non-compliance with Cotpa norms.During a separate raid at Pandit Pan in Sector 5, the team intercepted a vendor, Vivek Patel, and seized 27 packets of ‘Esse Light’ cigarettes and six packets of ‘Mond’ blueberry-flavoured cigarettes that did not carry mandatory pictorial health warnings.Taking strict cognisance of the violation, the team lodged a complaint at Sector 5 police station for registration of an FIR under relevant provisions of COTPA.Drive highlightsSurprise checks across multiple sectors5 shops fined Rs 200 eachIllegal stock seized from Sector 5 outletCigarette packs lacked pictorial health warningsFIR initiated under COTPA provisions