Barka- The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA), in coordination with the Public Prosecution and the Royal Oman Police (ROP), has dismantled an illegal counterfeit tobacco operation in Barka, seizing more than 13 tonnes of materials used to manufacture fake flavoured shisha tobacco.

The raid targeted a residential house in the Wilayat of Barka that had been converted into an illicit production facility for manufacturing, mixing, packaging and storing counterfeit shisha tobacco before distributing it in the local market under the guise of genuine branded products.

According to the CPA, the operation followed a tip-off received by its Consumer Protection Department in Barka alleging that expatriate workers were producing and storing tobacco products inside the house. After verifying the information, investigators obtained a search warrant from the Public Prosecution and coordinated with the ROP to carry out the raid.

During the operation, judicial enforcement officers caught four Asian workers in the act of mixing, manufacturing and packaging flavoured shisha tobacco using sealing and packaging equipment. The counterfeit products were packed in bags bearing well-known trademarks in an apparent attempt to market them as authentic brands.

Inspectors found the unlicensed facility operating under poor sanitary and technical conditions, in violation of the Consumer Protection Law and the Unified Law on Combating Commercial Fraud. Authorities also discovered large quantities of liquids, flavourings and raw materials deemed unfit for use.

Initial investigations revealed that wood shavings intended for pet use were being mixed with liquids and flavourings before being repackaged and sold as flavoured shisha tobacco, posing a potential threat to consumer health and constituting a serious case of commercial fraud.

The raid resulted in the seizure of 10,509 packages of flavoured shisha tobacco, 3,550kg of liquids used in the manufacturing process and 10,024kg of wood shavings, along with sealing machines, packaging equipment and counterfeit labels bearing well-known trademarks.

The CPA said seizure reports have been filed against the suspects, while all confiscated items have been secured. The case is being finalised for referral to the competent judicial authorities to complete legal proceedings.

The Authority reiterated its commitment to combating commercial fraud and illegal manufacturing practices that endanger public health or undermine market integrity. It also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities through its official channels to help strengthen consumer protection and market oversight.