MARGAO: In a fervent appeal to the South Goa District Collector and Magistrate, GOACAN has highlighted the urgent need to address the rampant illegal sale of foreign cigarettes in the district.
This plea coincides with the observance of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, themed “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference.”
In a letter dated May 30, GOACAN highlighted the widespread availability of smuggled foreign cigarette brands such as “Mond,” “ESSE,” and “Win,” which are sold in flavours like strawberry, cherry, menthol, and chocolate. These products are often marketed in high schools and higher secondary schools, posing a significant risk to the youth. The cigarettes are sold at prices significantly lower than domestic brands due to tax and duty evasion, making them easily accessible to minors and undermining public health efforts.
GOACAN coordinator, Roland Martins, stressed that these foreign cigarettes violate several sections of COTPA 2003, and the Legal Metrology Rules, as they lack mandatory packaging declarations. This illegal market not only threatens public health but also results in substantial revenue losses for the government, they added.
GOACAN requested the activation of Taluka-level Enforcement Squads to conduct rigorous inspections and enforce compliance with Sections 4 and 6 of COTPA, ensuring the health of children and youth in South Goa is protected from tobacco hazards.
The organization has called for a comprehensive crackdown on the sale of these illicit products, proposing a targeted campaign until August 15. Martins urged the District Magistrate to mobilize various departments, including Police, Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Legal Metrology, Transport, Tourism, and Consumer Affairs, to actively participate. He also called for the involvement of central agencies such as Customs, Railways, Airports Authority of India, and Enforcement Directorate to enhance surveillance and intercept smuggling activities at key entry points like railway stations, airports, border check-posts, and post offices.
Copies of this urgent appeal have been sent to high-ranking officials, including the Chief Secretary, South Goa Superintendent of Police (SP), and department heads of Legal Metrology, FDA, Tourism, Transport, and Health Services, to bolster support and coordination for this public health initiative.
