Nagpur: In a significant escalation of its anti-drug campaign Operation Thunder, the Nagpur Police launched an intensive sub-operation titled ‘Mission AXE’, aimed at dismantling the illegal sale of e-cigarettes and hookah-related products across the city. Initiated on October 19, 2024, by Commissioner of Police Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal, the campaign reached a new milestone on May 27, 2025, with a series of meticulously coordinated raids.
‘Vape Supply’ Network Triggers Police Action
Acting on intelligence obtained through internal surveillance and informants linked to the so-called “Vape Supply” network, Commissioner Singal and his team uncovered widespread illegal sales of nicotine-based products, primarily through outlets operating under the “Texas Smoke Shop” brand. Upon confirming the information through Crime Branch investigations, the Commissioner personally sanctioned ‘Mission AXE’, aimed at countering the growing health threat posed to the city’s youth.
Gold Rate
29 May 2025
Tightly Coordinated, High-Impact Raids
Secrecy was paramount. Seventeen target locations were identified, with details kept confidential until the final hour. On the evening of May 27, 16 police teams — comprising 25 senior officers and 125 personnel — were simultaneously deployed across key hotspots.
Under the direct supervision of the Police Commissioner, enforcement actions commenced at 6 PM. Raids were executed across 13 branches of Texas Smoke Shop, two paan kiosks, and one distributor warehouse, resulting in 32 inspections, 16 criminal cases, and 26 arrests across 13 police jurisdictions.
Contraband Worth ₹43.37 Lakh Seized
The raids led to the confiscation of e-cigarettes, hookah pots, nicotine liquids, flavored tobacco, smoking accessories (including charcoal, pipes, and lighter-gun devices), and surveillance equipment. The total value of seized items was ₹43,37,448.
Key Seizure Locations and Figures:
-
MIDC: ₹2.97 lakh
-
Pratap Nagar: ₹5.87 lakh across two outlets
-
Sitabuldi: ₹1.05 lakh
-
Sadar: ₹52,470 from two locations
-
Gittikhadan: ₹29,638
-
Lakadganj: ₹32,665
-
Sakkardara: ₹4.16 lakh from two shops
-
Ajni: ₹2.18 lakh including tobacco and accessories
-
Wathoda & Hudkeshwar: ₹1.25 lakh
-
Beltarodi: ₹3.66 lakh
-
Nandanvan & Dighori (warehouse): ₹21.51 lakh
-
Jaripatka: ₹1.22 lakh in hookah products
Mastermind Busted: Ashish alias Ankush Amritlal Shahu
Investigations point to Ashish alias Ankush Amritlal Shahu as the kingpin behind the network. Shahu is said to have established the Texas Smoke Shop franchise in Nagpur 5–6 years ago, with 14 outlets now operating across the city — allegedly in violation of the nationwide ban on e-cigarettes.
Following a tip-off, NDPS Cell Inspector Gajanan Gulhane led a team to a concealed warehouse located in the basement of a temple near Shahu’s residence, where a significant volume of contraband was recovered.
A Threat to Youth and Public Health
Commissioner Singal underscored the seriousness of the issue, stating that the campaign goes beyond enforcement. “This is about saving our youth from an industry that thrives on addiction masked as lifestyle,” he said. The commissioner warned that hookah parlors and vape lounges were increasingly luring teens and young adults with trendy marketing tactics and flavored products.
Legal Proceedings Underway
The accused have been booked under multiple legal provisions, including:
-
Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019
-
Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA)
-
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act
-
Relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
Next Phase of Operation Thunder
Nagpur Police have reiterated their commitment to continuing such action city-wide and beyond. Operation Thunder, they affirmed, is not a one-time campaign but a sustained effort to eradicate nicotine addiction and illegal drug networks that endanger public health.
