Madurai: In a crackdown on the sale of banned tobacco products, the food safety department, in collaboration with the police, conducted inspections from May 11 to 17, resulting in the sealing of 11 shops. Officials inspected a total of 2,106 shops and discovered 11 establishments selling prohibited items such as gutka and pan masala.
Seizures and Fines
During the joint operations, authorities seized 41.226 kg of banned tobacco products valued at Rs 43,000. Additionally, in three cases registered by the police, another 25.044 kg of goods worth Rs 25,000 were confiscated. In total, 66.27 kg of banned tobacco products, valued at approximately Rs 68,000, were taken off the streets.
Financial penalties were imposed on the offending shops. Seven shops found violating the rules for the first time were fined a total of Rs 1.75 lakh. Four shops that were repeat offenders, caught for the second time, faced a collective fine of Rs 2 lakh. The total amount collected from fines stands at Rs 3.75 lakh.
Ongoing Measures and Public Appeal
Officials stated that intensive measures are being carried out across Madurai district to prevent the sale of banned tobacco products. They urged members of the public to immediately inform the food safety department or the police if they become aware of any such sales in their areas, emphasizing the need for public cooperation in this effort.
