The Bengaluru International Airport police have uncovered a counterfeit cigarette racket with international links, arresting five individuals, including a father-son duo, in a major crackdown at Kempegowda International Airport.
The accused have been identified as Abdul Bashid and his son Mohammed Ashiq from HRBR Layout, along with Mohammed Anwar Ibrahim, Mohammed Atar Ansari, and Ghulam Hussain, all residents of Chennai.
Acting on specific intelligence, police conducted an operation at Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport, where they seized counterfeit cigarettes worth approximately ₹50 lakh from the parking area.
The case was registered following a complaint by N. Rajesh, a field executive of Anvesh IPR Services Company, which is associated with ITC Limited.
Investigations revealed that the accused were part of a larger international network involved in importing fake cigarettes from countries such as Cambodia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Police stated that the contraband was brought into India at low cost and falsely marketed under reputed brand names, including ITC, before being distributed across multiple states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana for significant profits.
Authorities suspect that the racket had been operational for several years, indicating a well-organised and sustained illegal trade network.
During the operation, officials seized around 20 boxes of counterfeit cigarettes, believed to be part of a larger supply chain.
A case has been registered against the accused under relevant provisions related to copyright infringement and fraud. Further investigation is underway to identify additional links and dismantle the broader network.
The crackdown highlights growing concerns over counterfeit goods entering the country through international routes, posing both economic and public health risks.