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MCOCA to be invoked against Gutkha sellers; Tukaram Mundhe issues clear directives to officials
Mumbai: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken a major step against the illegal trade of Gutkha, tobacco, and nicotine-laced *pan masala* in the state. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has ordered all field officials to invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in eligible cases against organized networks involved in the production, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of these banned food products.
Mundhe clarified that the illegal trade of Gutkha and tobacco products is not merely a violation of food safety laws but a serious organized crime against public health. Consequently, action will be taken not only against retailers but against the entire chain—including manufacturers, suppliers, transporters, warehouse operators, wholesalers, and those reaping financial benefits.
Joint operations by the FDA and the police have revealed the use of forged documents, *benami* (proxy) transactions, secret warehouses, and interstate supply chains. Strict action will be taken by invoking MCOCA in such cases after verifying the necessary criteria.
Mundhe has instructed officials to assess the applicability of MCOCA during every operation and to coordinate with the police to register cases where the criteria are met. Additionally, independent registers will be maintained at the district level to ensure regular monitoring of such cases.
Meanwhile, the FDA has appealed to citizens to immediately inform the administration if they receive information regarding the production or sale of Gutkha, tobacco, or other banned food products. Mundhe stated that the primary objective of this campaign is to bring organized rackets that jeopardize public health to justice under the law.
Mumbai: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken a major step against the illegal trade of Gutkha, tobacco, and nicotine-laced *pan masala* in the state. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has ordered all field officials to invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in eligible cases against organized networks involved in the production, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of these banned food products.
Mundhe clarified that the illegal trade of Gutkha and tobacco products is not merely a violation of food safety laws but a serious organized crime against public health. Consequently, action will be taken not only against retailers but against the entire chain—including manufacturers, suppliers, transporters, warehouse operators, wholesalers, and those reaping financial benefits.
Joint operations by the FDA and the police have revealed the use of forged documents, *benami* (proxy) transactions, secret warehouses, and interstate supply chains. Strict action will be taken by invoking MCOCA in such cases after verifying the necessary criteria.
Mundhe has instructed officials to assess the applicability of MCOCA during every operation and to coordinate with the police to register cases where the criteria are met. Additionally, independent registers will be maintained at the district level to ensure regular monitoring of such cases.
Meanwhile, the FDA has appealed to citizens to immediately inform the administration if they receive information regarding the production or sale of Gutkha, tobacco, or other banned food products. Mundhe stated that the primary objective of this campaign is to bring organized rackets that jeopardize public health to justice under the law.
Mundhe clarified that the illegal trade of Gutkha and tobacco products is not merely a violation of food safety laws but a serious organized crime against public health. Consequently, action will be taken not only against retailers but against the entire chain—including manufacturers, suppliers, transporters, warehouse operators, wholesalers, and those reaping financial benefits.
Joint operations by the FDA and the police have revealed the use of forged documents, *benami* (proxy) transactions, secret warehouses, and interstate supply chains. Strict action will be taken by invoking MCOCA in such cases after verifying the necessary criteria.
Mundhe has instructed officials to assess the applicability of MCOCA during every operation and to coordinate with the police to register cases where the criteria are met. Additionally, independent registers will be maintained at the district level to ensure regular monitoring of such cases.
Meanwhile, the FDA has appealed to citizens to immediately inform the administration if they receive information regarding the production or sale of Gutkha, tobacco, or other banned food products. Mundhe stated that the primary objective of this campaign is to bring organized rackets that jeopardize public health to justice under the law.
