In a coordinated effort to enforce the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, an enforcement team comprising members from the Health Department, Drug Controller, Municipality authorities, along with the Police, conducted a raid on shops in proximity to Lamdon School and Kunfan Model School on July 4.

During the operation, a banned substance known as 'cop' was seized.The confiscated substances were disposed of in the presence of the Coordination Committee members to ensure adherence to legal and safety standards. Shopkeepers are once again reminded to abstain from selling Cool Lip, loose cigarettes, and cigarettes lacking the mandatory health statutory warnings.

It is reiterated that the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions constitutes a punishable offence under COTPA 2003. Shopkeepers found violating these provisions will face cancellation of their licenses.

Authorities urge all shopkeepers to uphold compliance with the law in order to safeguard the health and well-being of the community, particularly young students.