Mangaluru, Oct 7: In a swift operation, Barke police raided a shop in a prominent commercial complex in the city and seized e-cigarettes and related materials worth Rs 9.72 lac, on Tuesday, October 7.

According to police, the raid followed credible information that a shop near Lalbagh in Mangaluru was illegally selling and stocking e-cigarettes, hookah accessories, and both Indian and foreign-made cigarettes without a valid licence. The items were allegedly being supplied and sold to the public, including youths.

The raid was conducted on Monday evening, October 6, under the leadership of police inspector Mohan Kottary of Barke police station, along with the station PSI and other staff members.

During the raid, police seized 847 e-cigarettes of various brands worth Rs 4,43,125, 86 cigarette packs valued at Rs 5,09,120, and hookah-related items estimated at Rs 20,500, totalling Rs 9,72,745.

A case has been registered against shop owner Shivu Deshakodi, Kudroli resident Ibrahim Irshad (33), and Bantwal resident Santosh (32) at Barke police station. The investigation is underway under relevant legal provisions.