In a major crackdown, the GST department in Haryana’s Nuh district seized a truck loaded with counterfeit Gold Flake cigarettes worth approximately 50 lakh rupees. The operation unfolded near the Bichhor police check post, where officials intercepted the suspicious vehicle on February 6.
During a thorough search, authorities uncovered around 86,000 cigarette sticks packed under the popular Gold Flake brand. The consignment lacked any valid invoice, e-way bill, or transport documents, immediately raising red flags about its legitimacy. Officials promptly contacted the brand owner, ITC Limited.
Company representative Priyojit Chatterjee confirmed the cigarettes were fake, filing a formal complaint urging police to register an FIR. He emphasized that Gold Flake is a registered trademark, and producing, storing, or distributing counterfeits constitutes a serious legal violation.
The truck was reportedly linked to Arunachaleswar Transport Company, with its head office in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, and a zonal office in Vijayawada. Police are verifying these claims as part of the ongoing probe.
Bichhor police station registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, Trademarks Act, and Copyright Act. Sub-Inspector Subhash revealed that the GST team alerted the company, leading to the complaint against unidentified persons.
DSP Jitendra Rana assured swift action, with investigations focusing on the cigarettes’ origin, involved parties, and the truck driver’s identity. This bust highlights the growing menace of fake tobacco products flooding markets, depriving governments of revenue and endangering public health with substandard goods.
Authorities vow to dismantle the illicit network behind this operation, sending a strong message to counterfeiters operating in the shadows.