The city police arrested three men for illegally selling electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in the Thousand Lights area.

Based on a tip-off, a police team carried out a surveillance near Spencer Plaza signal on Anna Salai, and nabbed two suspects, Deepak, 22, and Varathan, 23, both residents of Thiruvanmiyur, while they were selling banned e-cigarettes.

Following interrogation, a third suspect, Mohammed Naseeb, 35, residing near Zam Bazaar Market in Triplicane, was also arrested.

Investigations revealed that he operated a mobile phone shop in Royapettah, and had supplied e-cigarettes in bulk to the other two accused.

A total of 295 e-cigarettes, two mobile phones, including an iPhone, ₹15,500 in cash, and two motorcycles were seized during the operation.

All the three accused were produced before the court on Thursday, and have been remanded to judicial custody.