In a significant crackdown on the illegal trade of banned substances, the Thane Police seized gutka worth ₹8.42 lakh from a tempo on Thursday. The driver of the vehicle was arrested during the operation, which took place in Maharashtra’s Thane district.
Acting on a tip-off, a special team from the Thane Police intercepted the tempo at a checkpoint near Bhiwandi. Upon inspection, authorities discovered a large quantity of gutka, a product banned in Maharashtra due to its harmful health effects.
The contraband, concealed beneath other goods, was being transported for distribution in the region. Preliminary investigations revealed that the gutka was sourced from a neighboring state where it remains legally available.
A senior police officer stated, “We received information about the transportation of gutka and swiftly acted to intercept the vehicle. The seized goods are worth ₹8.42 lakh in the market. The driver has been taken into custody, and further investigations are underway to identify the suppliers and recipients involved in the illegal trade.”
The sale, manufacture, and distribution of gutka have been banned in Maharashtra since 2012 under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Violators face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
The arrested driver has been charged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Food Safety and Standards Act. Authorities are also probing whether this seizure is linked to a larger network of illegal gutka distribution in the state.
Gutka, a mixture of crushed areca nut, tobacco, and other flavoring agents, is known to cause severe health issues, including oral cancer. Despite the ban, the demand for gutka remains high, leading to its illegal trade across the state.
The Thane Police have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on such activities, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities related to banned substances.