# Tobacco smuggling enforcement in southern India > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tobacco-smuggling-enforcement-in-southern-india > Updated: 2026-09-27T09:45:28.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. Law enforcement agencies in southern India have conducted significant operations to intercept the illegal trade of prohibited tobacco products. In Kerala, the Excise Department seized approximately 3,500 kg of banned tobacco during a raid on a warehouse in Pakkil village, Kottayam. Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the goods and the identities of those involved in the distribution network. In Tamil Nadu, police in Coimbatore intercepted 300 kg of banned gutkha and other prohibited tobacco following a high-speed chase. The incident began during a routine vehicle check in Kovilpalayam, where officers intercepted a car suspected of transporting contraband from Bengaluru. When officials attempted to inspect sacks in the vehicle, the three occupants allegedly pushed personnel aside and fled. A pursuit lasting between 30 and 40 kilometers ensued, involving coordination with Tirupur district police and ambulance personnel. During the chase, Head Constable Velmurugan reportedly clung to the roof of the moving vehicle as it traveled through crowded areas and across toll plazas. The pursuit ended near the Thekkalur check-post in Avinashi, resulting in the arrest of three suspects from Rajasthan, identified as Babu Dara, Rajesh, and Suresh. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-27: Coimbatore police chase gutkha smugglers in dramatic 40-km pursuit Tamil Nadu police apprehended three smugglers and seized 300 kg of banned tobacco after a dramatic 40-km chase in which a head constable clung to the roof of the speeding vehicle. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/coimbatore-police-intercept-300-kg-of-banned-tobacco-after-high-speed-chase ### 2026-09-16: Kottayam Excise Department seizes 3,500 kg of banned tobacco The Kerala Excise Department seized 3,500 kg of banned tobacco products from a warehouse in Pakkil village, Kottayam. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kottayam-excise-department-seizes-3500-kg-of-banned-tobacco --- Cite as: Tobacco smuggling enforcement in southern India. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tobacco-smuggling-enforcement-in-southern-india