Leh, July 04: To enforce the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, an enforcement team comprising members from the Health Department, Drug Controller, Municipality authorities, along with the Police conducted a raid on shops near Lamdon School and Kunfan Model School on June 4. During the operation, a banned substance known as ‘cop’ was recovered.

The seized substances were destroyed in the presence of the Coordination Committee members to ensure compliance with legal and safety standards. Shopkeepers are once again reminded to refrain from selling Cool Lip, loose cigarettes, and cigarettes without the mandatory health statutory warnings.

It is reiterated that the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions is a punishable offence under COTPA 2003. The licenses of shopkeepers found violating these provisions will be cancelled.

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The authorities urge all shopkeepers to comply with the law to protect the health and well-being of the community, especially young students.