Mumbai: In a decisive move to suppress the chewing tobacco trade, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has directed its officials to invoke the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) against networks involved in manufacturing and distributing banned products such as gutkha, tobacco, and nicotine-laced pan masala.
FDA Commissioner's Statement
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe stated on Friday that these products are widely recognized as severely harmful to public health. "There needs to be a stop to consumption. This initiative will dismantle the entire syndicate of the illicit gutkha trade," he emphasized.
While the FDA's primary role remains under the Food Safety and Standards Act, officers are now required to coordinate with police to initiate parallel action under MCOCA.
Previous Investigations Reveal Extensive Networks
Mundhe noted that earlier FDA probes into gutkha sellers uncovered a long trail of forged documents, fake invoices, dummy companies, secret warehouses, and interstate supply chains.
Between May 25 and June 11, authorities inspected 354 establishments for prohibited food items, resulting in seizures worth Rs 3.27 crore. Additionally, 235 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed, 359 individuals arrested, and 274 establishments sealed.
Long-Pending Move
The decision has been in the works since late last year. FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal had previously announced the application of MCOCA against gutkha sellers, but the administration awaited the opinion of the law and judiciary department before implementation.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mumbai | Silver Rate in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Petrol Price in Mumbai | Diesel Price in Mumbai | CNG Price in Mumbai | LPG Price in Mumbai
Stay updated with the latest Mumbai news. Download the TOI App.
About the Author: Eshan Kalyanikar is a health journalist with Times of India, Mumbai.
