Nagpur: In a major crackdown on the illegal trade of prohibited tobacco products, an escort team attached to the Nagpur City Police Commissioner’s security convoy seized banned gutkha, flavoured tobacco and scented pan masala worth Rs 9.37 lakh during a raid in Mehboobpura under the Yashodhara Nagar police station limits in the early hours of Thursday.
The operation, conducted around 1.35 am on October 29, led to the recovery of a substantial stock of prohibited tobacco products allegedly stored in two separate premises near Noori Masjid at Tipu Sultan Chowk, Plot No. 899, Mehboobpura. Police suspect that the stock was being secretly supplied to pan stall operators at different locations across Nagpur.
During the operation, the police team apprehended Faeem Ansari, 40, son of Nabi Ahmed Ansari, who was present at the premises. A search conducted in the presence of independent witnesses led to the discovery of banned gutkha and other tobacco products stored in a room constructed under a tin shed on the terrace of the first floor of his house.
The team subsequently searched another room adjoining a rented house occupied by his brother, Nadeem alias Lakhan Nabi Ahmed Ansari, 38. The search reportedly yielded additional stocks of prohibited gutkha, flavoured tobacco and scented pan masala.
The total value of the seized material was assessed at Rs 9,37,951. The entire stock was confiscated as the products were allegedly being stored for illegal commercial distribution in violation of government restrictions.
Secret supply network under scrutiny
During questioning, Faeem allegedly told the police that the seized stock belonged to his brother, Nadeem alias Lakhan, and that the two had been jointly involved in secretly selling the prohibited products to pan stall operators across the city.
Investigators suspect that the premises were being used to store the contraband before it was distributed through an informal supply network. The alleged use of separate rooms for storing the prohibited products is also being examined as part of the investigation.
Police are expected to probe the source of the stock, identify the suppliers and establish the number of pan stalls and other outlets that may have procured the products from the alleged operation.
Case registered under multiple provisions
According to the police, the two men were allegedly found storing prohibited tobacco products for illegal sale for financial gain. A complaint was lodged by Police Sub-Inspector Sadashiv Kanse, following which a case was registered at Yashodhara Nagar police station under Sections 123, 274, 275, 223 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
The accused, along with the seized material, were handed over to Yashodhara Nagar police for further legal action and investigation.
The seizure marks another action by the city police against the illegal circulation of prohibited tobacco products. Investigators are now focusing on tracing the supply chain and determining the wider reach of the alleged business.
