Mumbai: Shivajinagar Police raids tobacco godown, seizes contraband worth lakhs

In a major crackdown on the sale of banned tobacco products, the Shivajinagar Police on Thursday conducted a raid at a godown in Govandi. Acting on specific intelligence, officials seized gutkha and other prohibited items valued at over Rs 20 lakh. The operation was carried out by Chembur-based G.P.S. Cell 6. Following the raid, two individuals involved in the illegal trade were arrested.

According to police sources, the raid was executed on June 27 around 4:00 pm at a warehouse near Kadaria Qalandaria Masjid, Plot No. 40/57, Road No. 15, Shanti Nagar, Baiganwadi, Govandi.

In an official statement, Police Inspector Bharat Ghone said, “The accused were fully aware of the government ban on gutkha and its serious implications for public health. Despite this, they chose to distribute and sell the substance, endangering countless lives.”

The two accused, identified as Abdul Halim Abdul Samad Khan and Mohammad Tanveer Imam Ullah Khan, were apprehended in possession of a substantial quantity of banned gutkha, intended for illegal sale to the general public.

Authorities revealed that the seizure included 184 bags of gutkha valued at Rs 17.74 lakh, along with three mobile phones worth Rs 15,000, a Suzuki Access scooter, and a TVS Ntorq 125—each valued at Rs 1 lakh. Additionally, some cash was also recovered, bringing the total value of the confiscated property to Rs 20.29 lakh.

A case has been registered under several sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), including Sections 123, 223, and 275. Further charges under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006—specifically Sections 26(2), 26(2)(P.A), 27(3)(B), 30(2), 59, and 37—have also been invoked. The case has been filed under G.R. No. 496/2025 and G.P.S. G.R. No. 48/2025.

The raid was carried out by a team of officers, including P.P.N. Bharat Ghone, P.P.N. Sawant, Saponi Dhutraj, Saponi Chikne, Poupani Rahane, and M.P.N. Mashere. As per official sources, further investigation will now be led by Cell 6, Chembur.

The Maharashtra administration and local law enforcement have reaffirmed their commitment to combating the illegal distribution of banned substances. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities within their neighbourhoods to assist in ongoing efforts to ensure public safety.

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