Pune, 4th July 2026: Crime Branch's Anti-Narcotics Cell has arrested two persons for allegedly possessing and selling illegal tobacco-based hookah flavours in Kondhwa. During the operation, police seized hookah flavour products worth around ₹2.75 lakh from their possession.
The accused have been identified as Latif Lal Sheikh (62), a resident of Bhawani Peth, and Nawaz Armankhan Pathan (26), a resident of Bhagyoday Nagar, Kondhwa.
Police received specific information that a large quantity of tobacco-based hookah flavours had been hidden inside a tin shed attached to Madina Daily Needs Shop, located behind a hotel in the Kausarbaug area of Kondhwa. Acting on the tip-off, the Anti-Narcotics Cell conducted a late-night raid on Wednesday.
During the search, officers recovered hookah flavour products of various brands that were allegedly being stored illegally for sale. The seized stock has an estimated value of ₹2.75 lakh.
The operation was carried out by a team led by Senior Police Inspector Trupti Sonawane after receiving intelligence from Police Constable Mangesh Gund.
Both accused were taken into custody, and a case has been registered. Police are investigating the source of the illegal hookah flavours and whether the accused were supplying the products to hookah parlours or other outlets in the city. Further investigation is in progress.
