India: Karimnagar cafe busted for selling banned vapes; WhatsApp trail leads to Secunderabad hookah centre

During the investigation, officials found that Asif had allegedly procured e-cigarettes from two persons identified as Ayan and Umer, who are based in Secunderabad

Karimnagar: A cafe in Karimnagar allegedly doubled as an outlet for selling banned e-cigarettes, with investigators uncovering a supply chain that reportedly stretched to a hookah centre in Secunderabad.

The Telangana EAGLE Force has apprehended the cafe operator and seized 12 e-cigarettes and 11 refillers, exposing the alleged use of WhatsApp orders, transport services and online payments to distribute prohibited vaping products.

Exposing a wide distribution network

The operation was conducted by the Regional Narcotics Control Cell (RNCC), Karimnagar, at Bismillah Cafe in Mukrampura. The accused, identified as Md Asif, 40, a resident of Godamgadda in Karimnagar, was allegedly selling the banned products from the café.

The investigation has also brought to light suspected links with suppliers in Secunderabad, prompting authorities to examine a wider distribution network.

WhatsApp conversations expose Secunderabad connection

During the investigation, officials found that Asif had allegedly procured e-cigarettes from two persons identified as Ayan and Umer, who are based in Secunderabad.

According to EAGLE Force, Asif initially received two e-cigarettes from Ayan through WhatsApp communication. Interested in procuring more devices for resale, he subsequently contacted Ayan, who allegedly shared Umer's phone number to facilitate additional supplies.

Investigators found that Ayan reportedly operates A1 Ayan Hukka Centre in Secunderabad. Subsequent supplies were allegedly arranged through transport services by Umer, while Asif made payments through online transactions.

The police are examining the WhatsApp conversations, payment records and transportation arrangements to establish the complete supply chain.

Chinese-made vapes offer up to 40,000 puffs

The 12 seized e-cigarettes reportedly have a capacity of up to 40,000 puffs and carry the name of Chinese manufacturer Imiracle (Shenzhen) Technology Co. Ltd.

Each device is estimated to be worth approximately Rs 3,000. Apart from the e-cigarettes, officials also seized 11 refillers from the café operator.

The high-capacity devices and their alleged retail distribution have raised concerns over the availability of prohibited vaping products in local commercial establishments.

Rs 10-crore illegal vape trade under EAGLE Force scanner

The Karimnagar raid is part of a wider enforcement drive against the alleged organised smuggling and distribution of Chinese-made e-cigarettes in Telangana.

According to EAGLE Force, investigations into the broader network indicate that e-cigarettes worth more than Rs 10 crore may have been pushed into the state through organised distribution channels.

Investigators are examining suspected international procurement routes involving consignments originating from China and Dubai, followed by their movement into India through interstate suppliers.

The alleged use of multiple retail outlets, transportation services and digital payment channels is also under scrutiny. Suspected hawala transactions and possible foreign-exchange violations are among the financial aspects being examined by the competent authorities.

The role of delivery platforms and other intermediaries in the transportation network is also being investigated. Their involvement, if any, will have to be established through evidence.

1,631 boxes seized in statewide crackdown

EAGLE Force said its statewide enforcement drive against the illegal trade and distribution of e-cigarettes has so far resulted in 12 cases being registered, 19 persons arrested and 23 others remaining absconding.

The agency has seized approximately 1,631 boxes of e-cigarettes during the operations.

Officials said the enforcement drive aims to dismantle organised supply networks and prevent prohibited nicotine products from reaching children and young adults.

Why high-capacity vaping devices are a concern

E-cigarettes marketed with capacities of 40,000 to 50,000 puffs, attractive packaging and exotic flavours have raised concerns about their appeal among younger consumers.

Nicotine exposure during adolescence can adversely affect brain development, attention, learning and impulse control. Health risks and the actual nicotine content of individual products require appropriate examination.

EAGLE Force has cautioned parents and educational institutions about the growing availability of vaping products and urged them to strengthen awareness programmes against nicotine addiction.

Cafe operator handed over to Karimnagar Police

Following the raid, Asif and the seized material were handed over to Karimnagar II Town Police Station for further legal action.

A case has been registered as Crime No. 691/2026 under Section 318(4) read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Sections 4 read with 7 of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, Section 77 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and Sections 20(2) and 6(b) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.

Further investigation is underway to trace the alleged suppliers, identify other persons involved and establish the complete financial and distribution network.

EAGLE Force seeks public cooperation

EAGLE Force has appealed to parents, teachers, educational institutions and the public to remain vigilant about the sale and use of banned e-cigarettes.

People are urged to share credible information about the manufacture, import, storage, transportation, sale or distribution of prohibited vaping products.

The agency said information shared by the public would be kept confidential, and credible informants would be suitably rewarded.