Maharashtra’s FDA and police are intensifying enforcement against illegal gutkha and flavoured pan masala sales in cities linked to the illicit trade. In Bhiwandi, enforcement pressure tied to FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe’s crackdown is reflected at the retail level, with pan shops displaying notices asking customers not to demand gutkha or banned pan masala products. Sources cited by the outlets say Bhiwandi functions as a transit and storage hub for prohibited products, allowing consignments to move to Mumbai and other districts. While earlier raids have led to seizures and action against transporters or lower-level operatives, investigators are now focusing on dismantling the wider supply chain and taking tougher action against organised networks.
In Kalyan, FDA officials and Khadakpada police conduct raids on three pan shops following a tip about banned sales in Kalyan West. Gutkha and flavoured pan masala worth over ₹11,000 are seized, and three shop operators are booked. Authorities say the accused did not disclose the source of the stock and investigations are probing possible connections to broader wholesalers and suppliers.
Together, the reports describe coordinated raids, increased retail caution, and ongoing efforts to identify and disrupt supply networks supplying banned products across the region.
