Gutkha worth Rs. 46.86 lakh seized from Sion

The police and the Food and Drug Association (FDA) on Thursday seized gutkha worth Rs46.86 lakh from a godown in Everard Nagar — the biggest seizure after the state enforced a ban on its sale on July 20.

The police and the Food and Drug Association (FDA) on Thursday seized gutkha worth Rs46.86 lakh from a godown in Everard Nagar — the biggest seizure after the state enforced a ban on its sale on July 20.

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The police found out about the godown after the Ghatkopar police arrested Dipak Sahu, a paanshop owner, from Nityanand Nagar area late on Tuesday, and recovered three boxes of gutkha worth Rs 18,000 from him.

“Sahu revealed that a large quantity of gutkha was stored in a godown in Sion. We then informed FDA officials and raided the place on Thursday. We seized 213 gunny bags full of Kolhapuri gutkha,” said Rajkumar Kothmire, inspector, Ghatkopar police station.

Police said the godown was rented out to Ulhasnagar resident Mahendra Somaiya. The police have seized the product and have handed it to the FDA.

Krishna Dabhade, assistant commissioner, FDA (Food), said: “We have seized the gutkha and will take action against both the accused under the Food Safety Act.

Police have registered a case against Sahu under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the IPC and have arrested him.

The FDA officials are questioning Somaiya and would hand him to the police after investigation.