Excise detects rampant use of banned tobacco products by bus crew

The Excise department has detected a few instances of private bus workers in the district using banned tobacco products during work hours. The department booked over 30 cases under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) during an intensive drive conducted in various parts of the district during the third and fourth weeks of February.

The Excise presented details of the drive before the State Human Rights commission (SHRC) on Wednesday (March 4, 2026).

Most cases were detected among employees working in buses operating from Fort Kochi, Perumbadappu and Kumbalanghi bus stations. A total of 26 COTPA cases were registered during the drive at the stations. Notably, the Excise has registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act after seizing 5 grams of suspected ganja from a bus employee during the drive at the Fort Kochi bus stand.