Goa, Aug. 31 -- Cigarette smuggling has surged sharply across India in recent years, with Goa emerging as a major transit hub thanks to its long coastline and convenient maritime access for consignments arriving from Dubai. Despite intensified crackdowns by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), customs and police, smugglers continue to exploit tax loopholes and devise sophisticated concealment methods to keep the illicit trade thriving.

Goa's strategic location and relatively porous coastal borders make it a preferred entry point for contraband. Smugglers frequently disguise cigarette shipments under legitimate cargo, such as construction materials or sanitary fittings, enabling them to slip past customs checks. From Goa, these ...