MARGAO: In a proactive move, the Salcete Taluka Enforcement Squad conducted inspections at Cutbona Jetty in Cuncolim to ensure compliance with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003 (COTPA). The squad booked nine cases under Section 4 of COTPA collected fines amounting to Rs 2,400 from the violators.
The Enforcement Squad, comprising Shannon Chika De Almeida, Salcete Taluka Jt. Mamlatdar-III, GOACAN Secretary Lorna Fernandes, Francisco A. Carvalho (Head Clerk, Mamlatdar office), Laxmikant Pagi (Sanitary Inspector, PHC Balli), and Police Constable Sonu Gaonkar from Cuncolim Police Station, conducted inspections targeting restaurants, grocery stores, and a hotel. During the inspection, the squad uncovered instances where tobacco was sold in sachets with blurred pack warnings. Additionally, some establishments displayed tobacco products in packets that failed to mention ‘Tobacco Product.’
The inspection report will be submitted to South Goa District Collector Asvin Chandru A, IAS, and Dr Sarah George, Member Secretary of the District Level Coordination Committee for COTPA, at the upcoming quarterly review meeting.
