Leh, July 04: In a determined effort to uphold the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, an enforcement team conducted a significant raid targeting shops near Lamdon School and Kunfan Model School. The team comprised members from the Health Department, Drug Controller, Municipality authorities, and the Police.
During the operation, the enforcement team discovered a banned substance known as ‘cop’ in several shops. The seized substances were promptly destroyed in the presence of Coordination Committee members to ensure strict adherence to legal and safety standards.
Authorities have once again reminded shopkeepers of the severe penalties for selling prohibited items such as Cool Lip, loose cigarettes, and cigarettes without mandatory health statutory warnings. The raid serves as a stern warning against the illegal sale of tobacco products, especially within 100 yards of educational institutions, which is a punishable offense under COTPA 2003.
“The sale of tobacco products near schools is a grave violation that endangers the health and well-being of our young students,” stated a spokesperson for the Health Department. “We will not hesitate to cancel the licenses of shopkeepers found flouting these regulations.”
The enforcement team urged all shopkeepers to comply with the law to protect the community’s health, particularly the youth. This raid highlights the authorities’ commitment to creating a safer and healthier environment for students and the general public.
The community is encouraged to report any violations of the COTPA 2003 to ensure continued vigilance and enforcement of these critical health regulations.
