EAGLE Force traces e-cigarette trail from minors to two alleged sellers in Hyderabad
Hyderabad's EAGLE Force apprehended two men for illegally supplying e-cigarettes to minors following a social media complaint. The investigation revealed a network using online platforms to bypass regulations, leading to charges under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing challenges in enforcing bans on vaping products among youth and the role of social media in modern law enforcement.
A social media complaint about a group of boys vaping near FDDI in Raidurgam led the Telangana EAGLE Force to a wider probe into the illegal supply of e-cigarettes to minors, culminating in the apprehension of two 21-year-old men and the seizure of 13 e-cigarettes.
The enquiry began after a complaint was received through X , accompanied by a video purportedly showing boys vaping at the location on July 2. The EAGLE Force identified four boys, aged between 15 and 17, and seized two e-cigarettes from them.
During counselling and enquiry, the minors reportedly told the police that two of their minor acquaintances had provided them with the e-cigarettes. The information prompted the EAGLE Force to trace the source of the devices.
The investigation led to Arsalan Sharief, 21, of Musheerabad, who was apprehended on September 1. Eleven e-cigarettes were seized from him.
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