In light of World No Tobacco Day on May 31st, the Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) has raised concerns over the rampant availability and illegal sale of foreign cigarettes in South Goa District. The organization emphasizes the need to protect children from the adverse effects of tobacco and calls for immediate action to curb this illicit trade.
Foreign cigarette brands, including “Mond” and “ESSE,” are being marketed with enticing flavors like strawberry, cherry, menthol, and chocolate, making them particularly attractive to youth. Reports indicate that these cigarettes are being sold at nearly half the price of domestically manufactured ones, facilitating easy access for underage individuals.
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GOACAN highlights the violation of various sections of The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act (COTPA) 2003, as well as the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules due to the absence of mandatory declarations on the packets.
Furthermore, the sale of these foreign cigarettes results in significant tax evasion, depriving the government of crucial revenue. Some establishments in the coastal belt proudly advertise their exclusion of Indian cigarettes, citing their higher prices due to taxes, which attracts domestic tourists visiting the region.
In response to these alarming trends, GOACAN calls upon the Collector & District Magistrate (South Goa) to initiate a crackdown on the availability and sale of illegal foreign cigarettes. They propose a campaign lasting until August 15th, 2024, involving coordination between various departments such as Police, Food & Drug Administration, Legal Metrology, Transport, Tourism, and Consumer Affairs.
Additionally, they urge the involvement of central government agencies like MPA, Post, Customs, Railways, AAI, and the Enforcement Directorate to scrutinize parcels entering through railway stations, airports, border check posts, and post offices to seize illegal foreign cigarettes.
The organization also recommends activating Taluka level Enforcement Squads to conduct drives and enforce Sections 4 & 6 of COTPA effectively.
