Bengaluru East Division Police book 324 COTPA cases and 334 petty cases during No-Smoking Day drive

The East Division Police registered 324 cases under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and booked 334 petty cases during a special enforcement drive conducted on the occasion of No Smoking Day.

The operation was carried out on March 11 under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police Vikram Amate. As part of the drive, 68 police teams were formed across in the East Division.

The police conducted surprise inspections at 801 establishments, including petty shops, bakeries, condiment stores and hotels located near schools and colleges.

Officials said the drive was aimed at enforcing tobacco control laws and creating awareness among the public about the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco consumption, particularly around educational institutions.

The police also appealed to the public to strictly follow the legal provisions related to the sale and use of tobacco products. The officials added that similar special drives would continue in the coming days to protect public health and maintain law and order.