Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The District Magistrate of North Goa, Ankit Yadav, IAS, has issued fresh directions to intensify enforcement against the sale and use of e-cigarettes and other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) in the district.
The order, dated September 28, 2025, follows a previous directive issued in March 2023, and instructs the Enforcement Squads of North Goa to take firm action against violations related to e-cigarettes, in addition to existing measures under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.
As per the order, Mamlatdars of Tiswadi, Bardez, Bicholim, Pernem, and Sattari have been directed to provide vehicles when required by the enforcement teams. They have also been instructed to submit periodical reports on raids conducted, duly signed by the squad members, and to send copies to the Director of Information and Publicity, Panaji.
Further, Police Inspectors from Panaji, Old Goa, Agacaim, Mapusa, Anjuna, Calangute, Porvorim, Saligao, Bicholim, Pernem, and Valpoi police stations have been ordered to depute Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs) with the enforcement squads whenever requested by the concerned Mamlatdars or Executive Magistrates.
The order also calls upon Roland Martins, Coordinator of the Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN), to nominate one representative to accompany the enforcement teams during operations.
The move is part of a continued crackdown by the district administration to curb the illegal trade and use of e-cigarettes, which remain banned under national law, ensuring stricter implementation of tobacco control measures across North Goa.
