Thane, Oct 30 (PTI) The Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) has seized banned gutka worth Rs 10.16 lakh from a tempo in Taloja area of Navi Mumbai and arrested the vehicle driver, officials said on Sunday.

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Acting on a tip-off, the Navi Mumbai police's ANC intercepted the tempo coming from Bhiwandi in Thane district at Dansar toll plaza in Taloja area of Maharashtra on Friday, the police said in a release.

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During a search, the police found gutka bags kept hidden below vegetable crates in the vehicle.

The police impounded the vehicle and arrested its driver, the release said.

A case was registered against the accused under relevant provisions, it said.

The police were trying to find out the source of the seized stock and to whom it was to be delivered.

The sale and consumption of gutka, scented and flavoured tobacco has been banned in Maharashtra since 2012.

In 2018, the state government made sale of gutka a non-bailable offence and enhanced the punishment for it from six months to three years.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)