09 January,2026 01:22 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya Iyer
Pic/By Special Arrangement
The Mumbai Police have seized banned gutkha and flavoured pan masala products worth over Rs 2 crore from Mulund, arresting 10 persons in connection with the illegal trade, officials said on Friday.
Acting on confidential information, the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 7) received inputs that government-banned products were being transported in small vehicles and stored on vacant land near the old toll plaza close to the Paroli toll plaza in Mulund East.
Following the tip-off, a team from Mulund Police Station conducted a raid at the identified location at around 6 am on January 8 under senior officers' guidance.
During the operation, police seized 14 vehicles - including three Eicher trucks, 10 other vehicles and a car - and detained 10 persons allegedly involved in the illegal transportation and storage of banned products.
A substantial stock of gutkha, chewing tobacco and flavoured pan masala of various brands was recovered from the seized vehicles.
Officials said the banned products were valued at Rs 80,55,620, while the seized vehicles were estimated to be worth Rs 1,20,75,000, taking the total seizure value to Rs 2,01,30,620.
The accused have been booked at Vikhroli Police Station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Among those arrested are Adil Abubakar Sheikh (37) and Siraj Unullah Siddique (30). Further investigation into the supply chain and network is ongoing.
Senior police officials commended the Mulund Police team for executing the operation under the supervision of officers from the eastern region.
