Bhiwandi Police Seize Banned Pan Masala Worth Rs 38 Lakh, Arrest One

The Bhiwandi Taluka Police seized banned pan masala and scented tobacco worth over Rs 38 lakh during a raid at Chinchoti-Anjur Phata in Bhiwandi on June 25. Acting on specific intelligence, law enforcement officials intercepted a truck transporting the contraband, resulting in the arrest of one man and the seizure of the vehicle.

During the operation, a police team laid a trap at Chinchoti-Anjur Phata and stopped an Eicher truck bearing registration number MH-17 CV-6507. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a massive quantity of banned 'Bajirao' Pan Masala and 'Mastani' flavoured tobacco, both of which are prohibited for sale in Maharashtra.

The police confiscated Bajirao Pan Masala valued at Rs 24.48 lakh and Mastani flavoured tobacco worth Rs 3.60 lakh. The Eicher truck, valued at Rs 10 lakh, was also seized, bringing the total value of the confiscated property to Rs 38.08 lakh.

Officers at the scene arrested Toufique Abdul Shaikh, a 46-year-old resident of Shrirampur in Ahilyanagar district. However, the truck driver, identified as Jabbar Shaikh, managed to flee the spot and remains absconding. The police have launched an active manhunt to trace and arrest the driver.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused were part of a well-organized interstate supply network engaged in the illegal transportation and distribution of prohibited gutkha and tobacco products. Investigators are now probing the origin of the seized consignment, the identity of the main supplier, and the final destination of the banned products.

The Bhiwandi Taluka Police have registered an offence against the accused under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Officials reiterated their commitment to dismantling the illegal tobacco trade network operating across the region.