REGULATORY · INDIA
Kochi excise books bus-crew cases
Change
In the third and fourth weeks of February 2026, the Excise department booked over 30 COTPA cases against private bus workers for using banned tobacco products during work hours.
Why Now
The Excise department conducted an intensive enforcement drive across various parts of the district in the third and fourth weeks of February 2026. It booked over 30 cases under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) involving private bus workers using banned tobacco products during work hours. Of these, 26 COTPA cases were registered at Fort Kochi, Perumbadappu and Kumbalanghi bus stations. During the drive at Fort Kochi bus stand, officials seized 5 grams of suspected ganja from a bus employee and registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The department submitted the drive details to the State Human Rights Commission on March 4, 2026.
Impact
- • Over 30 COTPA cases were booked against private bus workers.
- • 26 COTPA cases were registered at three named bus stations.
- • An NDPS Act case was registered after a 5g suspected ganja seizure.
- • Drive details were presented to the State Human Rights Commission.
Who Recalculates
- • Private bus workers (drivers, conductors, crew)
- • Private bus operators/management
- • Excise enforcement officials
- • State Human Rights Commission (oversight body)
Source
Topics
Law & Public Safety Regulatory Actions Compliance Criminal Justice