In a joint operation conducted by the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) of Itanagar Capital region and the police Flying Squad, surprise checks and raids were carried out on all shops located in the P-Sector of Itanagar, particularly those in close proximity to educational institutions, under the purview of COTPA Section 6 (a) and (b). COTPA Section 6 prohibits the sale of cigarettes or other tobacco products to individuals below the age of eighteen and within a hundred-yard radius of any educational institution.
Led by Khoda Lasa, Executive Assistant Commissioner (EAC) of Itanagar, along with S. Haddong, Sub-Inspector (SI), and the Itanagar Police Station team, the operation targeted shops selling tobacco products illegally within the designated radius.
A significant quantity of cigarettes and other tobacco products, along with illegally sold alcohol, were seized during the operation. Shop owners found violating COTPA Section 6 (a) and (b) were issued challans amounting to Rs 200 each and cautioned against further sale of tobacco products near educational institutions. They were urged to comply with COTPA regulations to contribute towards creating a tobacco-free environment and safeguarding the youth from the harmful effects of tobacco.
