Palghar, Maharashtra: In a major crackdown on the smuggling of banned tobacco products, the Talasari Police intercepted two trucks carrying gutka worth ₹1.23 crore on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway on July 25. The successful operation, based on confidential intelligence, resulted in the arrest of two drivers and the seizure of a massive consignment of gutka concealed inside containers.
Seizure Made Near Dapchari Check Post Following Highway Surveillance Orders by SP Palghar
Acting on directives from the Palghar Superintendent of Police, officers had intensified checks along the highway and set up a special trap at the Dapchari check post near Vikaspada in Talasari. Around Friday noon, two suspicious trucks were stopped and thoroughly inspected, leading to the discovery of the banned substances hidden under layers of other goods.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway a Notorious Route for Gutka Smuggling, Says Senior Officer
“Despite a statewide ban, gutka continues to be smuggled into Maharashtra, especially from Gujarat,” a senior police official said. “This stretch of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway has long been a preferred route for smugglers.”
Seized Consignment Violates BNS and Food Safety Regulations
According to officials, the seized gutka violates multiple state and national regulations, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and provisions under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations as well as the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations.
The drivers of the seized trucks have been taken into custody and further investigations are underway. Authorities are now probing whether the suspects are linked to a larger interstate smuggling racket.
