Pune FDA Seizes Gutkha and Pan Masala Worth Rs 92.98 Lakh in Major Crackdown

Pune, 27th February 2026: Acting on confidential inputs, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Pune, carried out a major enforcement drive against the storage, transport and distribution of banned gutkha, pan masala and flavoured tobacco products, seizing prohibited stock worth ₹92.98 lakh across multiple locations in Pune district and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

In the first operation, officials raided premises at Azmi Weigh Bridge, Gat No. 574/2016, Mahalunge MIDC, Khed taluka, Pune district, where a large quantity of gutkha, pan masala and scented tobacco was allegedly being stored for sale and distribution. The FDA seized banned products along with a Bolero Max pickup vehicle (MH-12 XM 46908), with the total value of the confiscated material estimated at ₹79.17 lakh.

Following the seizure, a case was registered at Mahalunge Police Station against vehicle owner Siraj Noor Alam and an unidentified premises owner under Crime No. 0136/2026. Further investigation is underway.

In a separate action, FDA officials intercepted a vehicle transporting gutkha and pan masala near Anand Sales in Thergaon, Pimpri-Chinchwad. The vehicle (MH-14 JP 0743) was found carrying prohibited stock worth ₹13.80 lakh. A case under Crime No. 0091/2026 has been registered at Wakad Police Station against vehicle owner Prajwal Sudarshan Mutha and Ramswaroop. Police are continuing their probe in the matter.

The action was taken under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, which prohibits the manufacture, storage, sale and transportation of gutkha and similar tobacco-based products in Maharashtra.

The FDA has appealed to citizens to inform the administration if they come across the illegal sale or movement of banned food items, stating that strict action will continue in the interest of public health.