FDA seizes gutka worth Rs 1.5 crore

MUMBAI: In a major haul, the state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized gutka and pan masala valued at Rs 1.5 crore from various locations in and around the city over the last three weeks. The banned products were stored in rundown warehouses located at unobtrusive locations along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway.
During the course of investigation, the FDA also learnt that the gutka smuggling racket have innovated their ways of functioning quite a bit.“We have learnt that smaller cars, even the luxurious ones, are being used to transport the banned products. The idea behind smuggling them in expensive cars is to hoodwink the cops. It is usually the trucks and tempos that get intercepted at the highways,” said Harish Baijal, joint commissioner (vigilance).
Gutka, an industrially manufactured smokeless tobacco product has now been banned in the majority of the country, with very encouraging results.
Acting on a tip-off, the FDA’s vigilance division raised godowns in Khar, Mira Road and Nala Sopara where most of the stock was found. Baijal added, "In order to keep the whole thing discreet, they avoid transporting gutka in bulk. It is supplied in small quantities and only a day’s inventory is provided to small-time sellers,” said Baijal, adding that some of his officers were manhandled at the time of the raid. Four people have been booked under section of the IPC and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.