In a significant operation against illegal gutkha smuggling, the Amravati rural police seized banned tobacco products worth Rs1 crore in the Chandur Railway area on Tuesday. The haul includes 10 tonnes of scented tobacco and gutkha, along with a goods truck and mobile phones. Authorities are now tracing the links of the interstate smuggling racket.
Tip-Off Leads to Major Seizure
According to information, Amravati rural Superintendent of Police Niketan Kadam received a tip-off about a truck transporting a large consignment of illegal gutkha. Acting on the intelligence, the Chandur Railway police team set up a nakabandi in the Malkhed area and intercepted a suspicious truck. During a thorough search, police discovered 10 tonnes of illegal gutkha and scented tobacco.
Value of Seized Items
The seizure includes gutkha and tobacco worth approximately Rs75.75 lakh, a goods truck valued at Rs25 lakh, and two mobile phones worth Rs60,000, bringing the total value of the seized items to Rs1 crore.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Police arrested the truck driver, identified as Sheikh Imran (36), a resident of Amravati. However, three to four other accused involved in the case are currently absconding. The operation was conducted under the guidance of SP Niketan Kadam, additional SP Datta Totewad, SDPO Anil Pawar, and PI Ajay Akare. The team included PSI Vina Pande, Rohit Kudale, Nitesh Azade, and other police personnel.
Further investigations are underway to dismantle the interstate smuggling network and apprehend the remaining suspects.
