Meerut. A major network allegedly involved in manufacturing and distributing counterfeit cigarettes has been uncovered in the Hastinapur area. A raid at an illegal factory allegedly operating for the past eight months inside a college building in the Khadar area of Dudhli village led to the recovery of counterfeit cigarettes worth around ₹3 crore. Ravi Kishore, identified as the main operator of the factory, was arrested and sent to jail. Preliminary investigation suggests that around ₹10 crore may have been invested in the operation, while counterfeit cigarettes worth nearly ₹40 crore were allegedly manufactured and supplied to the market during the eight-month period.
The action followed information received by a team from ITC about the alleged manufacture and sale of counterfeit cigarettes in the area. The company team, along with Hastinapur police, raided the college building located in the Khadar area of Dudhli village. Investigators found a complete setup for manufacturing cigarettes using modern machinery inside the premises. A large quantity of finished counterfeit cigarettes was recovered during the search, with an estimated market value of around ₹3 crore.
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The machinery installed at the factory became a key focus of the investigation. A Molins Mark 9.5 high-speed cigarette-making machine was found at the site. According to preliminary information, the machine had been brought to India from Cambodia about a year ago and was installed in Hastinapur around eight months ago. The presence of such high-capacity machinery points to large-scale production rather than a small illegal manufacturing operation. Investigators suspect that the machinery and the method of production could indicate links to a larger network, including possible foreign connections.
During questioning, Ravi Kishore allegedly told investigators that the factory had been operating for around eight months. During this period, a large quantity of counterfeit cigarettes was allegedly manufactured and sent to the market through different channels. Investigators are now trying to determine the areas where the products were supplied and identify the traders, intermediaries and other individuals involved in distributing the counterfeit cigarettes.
The investigation has now expanded beyond the factory to its financial network. Police suspect that around ₹10 crore may have been invested in the operation. Investigators are examining the source of the investment, the channels through which the money reached the factory and the accounts or other methods allegedly used to transfer proceeds from the sale of the counterfeit products. Preliminary investigation has indicated that around five people from the Hastinapur and Mawana areas may have links to the network.
During questioning, Ravi Kishore allegedly mentioned two individuals identified as Tarun and Deepak. Police have begun verifying the address provided for Deepak in Mawana, while information related to Tarun is being collected. Investigators suspect that different individuals may have been assigned separate roles in the operation, including procurement of raw materials, machine operation, manufacturing, transportation of finished products and distribution in the market.
Investigators are also examining the route through which the high-speed machine was brought from Cambodia to India. They are looking into who purchased the machine, how the payment was made and how the equipment was transported to Hastinapur after reaching India. The machine’s technical specifications and other material recovered from the factory are also being examined for possible indications of links with an international network.
According to officials, local police teams are working alongside surveillance and special-operation teams in the investigation. The focus is on tracing the entire supply chain, examining financial transactions and identifying other individuals connected with the operation. Investigators are also examining the recovered cigarettes and machinery to determine which brands were allegedly being counterfeited and how the products were being presented and distributed as genuine cigarettes in the market.
Following Ravi Kishore’s arrest, the investigation has been intensified. Police are now attempting to identify those who allegedly financed the operation, assisted in manufacturing and distribution or helped move the counterfeit cigarettes into the market. The discovery of sophisticated machinery imported from Cambodia and indications of large-scale production have prompted investigators to examine the case not merely as a local counterfeit-cigarette factory, but as a possible link in a wider organised network.
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About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
