Bhubaneswar, Jan. 6 -- Foreign-origin cigarettes were once again seized at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday in a joint operation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Customs Department, underlining continued surveillance to curb smuggling activities through Odisha's only international airport.

According to official sources, enforcement agencies seized 25 packets of cigarettes and 4,000 cigar sticks, all identified as foreign-origin tobacco products. The seized contraband is estimated to be worth around Rs.35 lakh and was allegedly brought into the country without valid customs documentation or clearance.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the consignment was being smuggled ...