Raid on shops near educational institutions conducted

Coimbatore: Corporation Health Department on Friday conducted a raid on shops near schools and colleges and seized tobacco, pan items, beedi and cigarette.

On instructions from Corporation Commissioner Anshul Mishra, a team led by Assistant Health Officer, R. Sumathi conducted the drive on Big Bazaar Street and Variety Hall Road targeting close to 20 shops situated closer to schools. The raid was conducted in pursuance of the legal provision Section 6 (b) of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act of 2003 which prohibitions sales, offer of sales of these items to persons below the age of 18 years.

The health department had already conducted similar raids in Peelamedu, Rathinapuri and Sai Baba Colony areas. During the raid on Friday, products valued at over Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1 lakh were seized and destroyed.