Adani's Mumbai airport shops sold illegal nicotine pouches, probe finds

An investigation has revealed that duty-free shops at Mumbai International Airport, managed by billionaire Gautam Adani's conglomerate, have been selling nicotine pouches in violation of Indian law. The government classifies these pouches as a public health hazard, and their sale without proper approval has triggered a legal challenge.

Adani's group denies any wrongdoing and is seeking a court declaration that laws governing drugs and cosmetics do not apply to duty-free sales and nicotine pouches. This legal battle could significantly impact how India regulates products sold in airport outlets. A government victory might halt the sale of one of the world's fastest-growing nicotine products within Indian airports.

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Nicotine pouches also fall under the definition of a drug... a valid registration certificate and import license are mandatory.

India has previously banned e-cigarettes and approved specific nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches and gums, under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Nicotine pouches, however, remain illegal and unapproved. A government study highlighted nicotine pouches as a "new and largely unregulated public health concern," noting widespread illegal sales and consumption among young adults.

Following complaints, India's drug department inspected the airport's duty-free shops in March and discovered imported nicotine pouches being sold without the necessary approvals. An assistant drugs controller stated that nicotine pouches fall under the definition of a "drug" and require a valid registration certificate and import license. Mumbai Travel Retail, a joint venture led by Adani, was instructed to cease sales and obtain approvals. Selling a drug without a license can lead to imprisonment and substantial fines.

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If a murder occurs in the store, will Indian police have no powers to arrest? They will have... Can they sell guns or ammunition? No.