Assam Officials Raid Tobacco Shops Near Margherita Schools

Guwahati: Assam authorities hit the streets of Margherita on October 23 to flush out illegal tobacco sales near schools. The joint operation targeted commercial spots within a 100-yard radius of local educational institutions to enforce the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003. Teams seized banned items from non-compliant vendors during the sweep.

Assistant Commissioner Pronami Gogoi led the task force alongside Margherita Municipal Board Executive Officer Bikram Sharma and officers from the Margherita Police Station. The inspections focused on Margherita College, PM Shri Town High School, Margherita Public Higher Secondary School, Margherita Town Public Primary School, and Mahabir Das Hindi Lower Primary School. Officials checked for illegal displays and sales within the restricted zone.

Vendors received a stern warning about the law. Authorities demanded shopkeepers stop selling products to minors immediately. The Margherita Co-District Administration promised more raids to keep students away from tobacco, stating, "Regular monitoring and periodic enforcement drives would continue to ensure compliance with tobacco control laws and protect students from exposure to tobacco products."