Pune: In a decisive action against the illegal trade of banned tobacco products, the Kalepadal Police and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a joint operation, seizing gutkha worth ₹64 lakh from a warehouse in Undri, near Kondhwa. The authorities also confiscated four pickup trucks used for transportation, collectively valued at ₹12 lakh. One individual has been arrested, while others involved in the operation remain at large.

The accused has been identified as Sampatraj Pemaram Chauhan (38), a resident of Kondhwa. A case has been registered against Chauhan and four to five unidentified associates under relevant legal provisions. The complaint was filed by FDA Food Safety Officer Vijaykumar Unavane at Kalepadal Police Station.

Despite the statewide ban on gutkha, flavored tobacco, and similar products, authorities have been receiving reports of their illegal sale and distribution within Pune. Upon receiving a tip-off about a covert supply chain, the Kalepadal Police and FDA launched an investigation, leading them to a warehouse in Undri where a large stock of gutkha was stored.

As the raid was underway, three to four individuals managed to escape, but Chauhan was apprehended near the premises. The police discovered four pickup trucks parked outside the warehouse, ready for transportation of the contraband. In total, gutkha worth ₹64.44 lakh and vehicles worth ₹12 lakh were seized, bringing the total confiscated goods to ₹76 lakh.

The operation was conducted under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 5) Dr. Rajkumar Shinde, with the active participation of Senior Inspector Manasing Patil and the FDA enforcement team. The authorities have intensified their crackdown on the illegal tobacco trade and are actively tracking down the remaining suspects.