The Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) on Wednesday (April 1) searched several shops near education institutions in Patamata area of Vijayawada for allegedly selling tobacco products in violation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA-2003).

A team led by EAGLE Circle Inspector M. Ravindra searched the shops and seized gutka, cigarettes and other tobacco products from the shops.

“Under the COTPA-2003, cigarettes, gutka, tobacco ganja and other products should not be sold within 100 yards of schools, colleges and other [educational] institutions,” said Mr. Ravindra. Notices were served on the shop owners and fines imposed, said Patamata SI M. Sitaram.

Managements of education institutions should also display the COTPA and ‘no smoking’ signboards, said the Circle Inspector. Stern action would be taken against those who violate the Act, Mr. Ravindra warned.