Tukaram Mundhe-Led Maharashtra FDA Seizes Banned Pan Masala and Tobacco Worth INR 2.69 Crore in Raids
The Tukaram Mundhe-led Maharashtra FDA seized prohibited items, including pan masala and scented tobacco, worth INR 2.69 crore during coordinated raids in Palghar and Thane districts. The enforcement operations were carried out as part of the state's ongoing crackdown on the illegal storage, transport, and distribution of banned tobacco products.
The Tukaram Mundhe-led Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized prohibited items, including pan masala and scented tobacco, valued at INR 2.69 crore following a series of coordinated raids across Palghar and Thane districts. The enforcement operations were carried out over Friday and Saturday, October 2-3, as part of the state's ongoing crackdown on the illegal storage, transport, and distribution of banned tobacco products.
Interceptions in Palghar District
Acting on specific intelligence, FDA officers intercepted a truck near Yewai Bridge on October 2 and seized pan masala worth INR 81 lakh, reports PTI. The truck, valued at INR 20 lakh, was also impounded, bringing the total value of that specific operation to INR 1.01 crore. Dead Rat in Mysore Masala Dosa: FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe Assures Strict Action Against Radhakrishna Hotel.
An FIR has been registered at the Bhiwandi Taluka police station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Food Safety and Standards Act. In a separate operation at Charoti Toll Naka in Dahanu, Palghar, authorities recovered banned food products worth INR 43.50 lakh from another truck. The vehicle, valued at INR 20 lakh, was confiscated, and seven individuals have been booked.
An FIR was filed at the Kasa police station in Dahanu, with officials noting that police have received written instructions to examine whether the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) can be invoked against the accused. Cipla Pune Warehouse Licence Cancelled: FDA Flags Misbranded Reactin Plus, Drugs Stored on Floor.
Raids and Seizures in Thane
Continuing the statewide campaign, enforcement teams conducted a parallel raid in Thane district. Prohibited products worth INR 84.28 lakh alongside a truck valued at INR 20 lakh were seized during the operation. Following the seizure, a formal case was registered at the Khadakpada police station, as the FDA continues to target supply networks handling contraband items across the region.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 04, 2026 09:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
