Police in Hyderabad have busted an outlet allegedly selling banned vapes through WhatsApp orders and doorstep deliveries. The EAGLE Force of Telangana and Raidurgam Police carried out the operation at a shop named “SmokinSpot” and arrested its manager.
During the raid, officials seized 46 vapes, 49 packets of foreign cigarettes, two mobile phones and two payment scanners. The vapes were allegedly sold for ₹2,800 to ₹4,000 each. Around 107 devices were reportedly sold in October and November 2026.
Investigators say customers placed orders on WhatsApp. Payments were collected both digitally and in cash. The outlet allegedly used Rapido to deliver the products to customers’ doorsteps.
Officials are now examining suppliers based in Kerala and Karnataka. They suspect an interstate network linked to a wider trade worth more than ₹10 crore.
The case is part of a statewide crackdown on vapes by the EAGLE Force. So far, authorities have registered 11 cases and arrested 18 people. Another 21 accused are absconding, and 1,619 boxes of vapes have been seized.
Further investigation is underway into international supply routes, financial transactions and suspected delivery networks connected to the trade.
