Nagpur: In a major crackdown under the ongoing anti-drug campaign “Operation Thunder,” Nagpur Police launched an aggressive sub-operation named ‘Mission Axe’ targeting illegal sales of e-cigarettes and hookah materials in the city. The operation was launched on October 19, 2024, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal, and intensified on May 27, 2025, with a series of coordinated raids.
Acting on intelligence inputs received through the “Vape Supply” network, Commissioner Singal identified the rampant sale of e-cigarettes and hookah products—especially through shops operating under the brand “Texas Smoke Shop.” This prompted the Commissioner to personally verify the data through his trusted informants and Crime Branch teams, before rolling out ‘Mission Axe’ to curb the dangerous influence of nicotine products among city youth.
Meticulous Planning and Execution
A total of 17 locations were secretly identified for raids, keeping operational details confidential until the last moment. On the evening of May 27, a total of 16 police teams—comprising 25 officers and 125 personnel—were deployed simultaneously across these hotspots. Each team included officers from the Crime Branch and specially assigned constables, with no knowledge of each other’s targets to maintain secrecy.
The raids were launched simultaneously at 6 PM under the direct supervision of the Police Commissioner. As a result, enforcement actions were carried out at 17 sites, including 13 Texas Smoke Shops, two paan shops, and one warehouse. A total of 32 inspections were conducted across 13 police jurisdictions, and 16 criminal cases were registered. Action has been initiated against 26 individuals in connection with the seizures.
Seized Material Worth ₹43.37 Lakh
Prohibited items such as e-cigarettes, hookah pots, tobacco flavors, nicotine liquids, and smoking paraphernalia including charcoal, pipes, and even gun-lighter devices were seized. In total, contraband worth ₹43,37,448 was confiscated during the raids. Key seizure highlights include:
- MIDC: ₹2.97 lakh worth of e-cigarettes and hookah products
- Pratap Nagar: ₹5.87 lakh seized from two locations
- Sitabuldi: Goods worth ₹1.05 lakh
- Sadar: Two locations, total seizures worth ₹52,470
- Gittikhadan: Material worth ₹29,638
- Lakadganj: E-cigarettes and flavors worth ₹32,665
- Sakkardara: Seizures from two shops totaling ₹4.16 lakh
- Ajni: Large haul including tobacco pouches, pots, and accessories worth ₹2.18 lakh
- Wathoda and Hudkeshwar: Combined seizures worth ₹1.25 lakh
- Beltarodi: Seizure of e-cigarettes and flavored pots worth ₹3.66 lakh
- Nandanvan and distributor’s warehouse in Dighori: Material worth ₹21.51 lakh
- Jaripatka: Hookah products and accessories worth ₹1.22 lakh
Kingpin Identified: Ashish alias Ankush Amritlal Shahu
Investigations revealed that the central figure behind this operation, Ashish alias Ankush Amritlal Shahu, had established the Texas Smoke Shop franchise network in Nagpur 5-6 years ago. Currently, 14 outlets are operating under the same name. Despite a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes, these shops were found selling them alongside hookah equipment in large quantities.
Under the Commissioner’s direction, Inspector Gajanan Gulhane from the NDPS Cell traced the main warehouse to a concealed basement beneath a temple, adjacent to Shahu’s residence. A large stock of illegal materials was recovered from the site.
Public Health at Risk
Commissioner Singal emphasized that this operation was not merely about enforcement but about disrupting a dangerous and growing trend that threatens the wellbeing of the youth. Hookah parlors and e-cigarette suppliers are increasingly attracting teenagers and young adults under the guise of modern lifestyle habits.
Legal action under the NDPS Act, COTPA, and other relevant sections has been initiated against the accused. The Nagpur Police have reiterated their commitment to continuing such decisive action under Operation Thunder until the menace is eradicated.
