FDA seizes banned tabacco products worth Rs 6.17 lakh across Maharashtra

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration crack down on the storage and sale of chewing tobacco products. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continued its aggressive drive against the manufacture, storage, transportation, and sale of banned gutkha, pan masala and similar products containing tobacco across the state, conducting inspections at 32 establishments and seizing and destroying contraband worth Rs 6,17,761 on May 29.

According to official figures released by the FDA, enforcement teams inspected 32 establishments across Maharashtra and detected violations at all the locations.

The action was initiated under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the ban imposed by the Maharashtra government on the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of gutkha, pan masala and allied products containing tobacco and nicotine. Criminal cases were also registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other applicable laws wherever required.

Overall, the statewide operation resulted in the registration of 19 FIRs, action against 33 accused persons, and the booking of 28 individuals. No seizures were reported from the Nagpur and Amravati divisions during the period under review.

The busts

While banned products worth Rs 8268 were seized in Mumbai, the Konkan Division reported the highest enforcement activity. FDA officials seized banned products worth Rs 1,73,399, and initiated action against 21 accused persons.

In the Pune Division, authorities inspected eight establishments and confiscated goods worth Rs 2,99,252.

The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Division recorded the seizure of prohibited products worth Rs 1,31,222 from one establishment, while an FIR was registered against the accused.

In Nashik, officials seized banned products worth Rs 5620 and initiated legal proceedings against those allegedly involved.

Official Speak

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said, "The FDA will continue its sustained campaign against the illegal trade of gutkha and pan masala. Strict action would be taken against manufacturers, distributors, transporters, and retailers found violating the ban."

The crackdown in numbers

Establishments
inspected: 32
Value of banned products seized: R6,17,761
FIRs registered: 19
Individuals who were booked: 28