Over 3,000 kg of banned tobacco products seized in raids

Kochi: Over 3,000 kg of banned tobacco products were seized by excise department officials Sunday from areas dominated by migrant workers in Ernakulam district.

At least 12 people, most of them migrant workers, were taken into custody following the raids in labour camps in Angamaly, Perumbavoor and Muvattupuzha, Excise department officials said.

Narcotic substances including ganja and brown sugar were also seized from the camps in the raids, the officials said.

The raids, targeting migrant workers allegedly involved in smuggling of banned tobacco substances, are being held simultaneously in their camps in eastern towns of Ernakulam district, they said.

The raids, being held with assistance of local police, is expected to continue till this evening, they said.