Kalyan: In a significant crackdown on the illegal trade of Gutkha, a contraband stock worth Rs 30 lakh, smuggled from Vapi, Gujarat, was seized near Durgadi Fort in Kalyan on Thursday afternoon, thanks to the vigilant efforts of the Khadakpada police.
The operation unfolded when the Khadakpada police were on patrol duty in the Durgadi area of Kalyan. They spotted a truck driver, later identified as Mohammed Raja Monis Pathan (26), driving suspiciously at high speed near Durgadi Fort. Acting swiftly, the police intercepted the truck and upon inspection, uncovered the illicit Gutkha stock.
The seized goods included 10 sacks of Vimal Pan Masala, each packet priced at Rs 198, totaling up to 14 lakhs. Additionally, 30 bags of tobacco jarda worth 1.5 lakhs and 500 packets of small Vimal grade gutkha were confiscated, bringing the total value of the seized stock to 30 lakhs.
The arrested driver, Mohammed Raja Monis Pathan, hails from Speen Park building in Dongri Fariya, Vapi, Gujarat. Police are currently on the lookout for Vinod Gangwani, the main absconding accused in the case.
The police suspect that the smugglers intended to distribute the Gutkha in wholesale markets in the Ulhasnagar area. Senior Police Inspector Dr. Anil Waghmode, along with other officers, is leading the investigation under the guidance of the Khadakpada Police Station.
Despite concerted efforts to curb the illegal trade, there have been recent reports of banned Gutkha being sold on a large scale in areas like Kalyan, Dombivli, Shilphata, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, Shahapur, Murbad, and Bhiwandi. Concerns have been raised about the rising consumption of banned Gutkha, particularly among the youth.
The police have registered a case under the Food and Drug Administration Act against the arrested accused and are intensifying efforts to crack down on the illegal trade of Gutkha in the region.
This seizure underscores the ongoing battle against the illegal trade of Gutkha and the authorities' commitment to ensuring public health and safety.