BARAMULLA, OCT 7: Intensifying enforcement against tobacco sales to minors, Baramulla Police conducted a COTPA enforcement drive at Trikanjan in Boniyar, taking action against a seller for allegedly supplying tobacco products to a minor in violation of statutory restrictions.
During the drive, action was initiated against a violator under Section 6(a) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, which prohibits the sale of tobacco products to persons below the prescribed age.
The enforcement action was accompanied by an awareness drive among market sellers and shopkeepers, who were sensitised about the legal restrictions governing tobacco sales and directed to ensure that tobacco products are not sold to minors.
Police also stressed the need for strict compliance with other provisions of COTPA, including restrictions intended to protect children and adolescents from exposure to and access to tobacco products.
The drive forms part of Baramulla Police’s continued efforts to strengthen preventive enforcement and public awareness against tobacco use among minors, with police reiterating that violations of tobacco-control laws will invite action under the applicable legal provisions.
Authorities urged traders and shopkeepers to exercise due diligence while selling tobacco products and strictly adhere to the law to protect minors from the harmful consequences of tobacco use.
