Key Update

Food safety department officials, along with the police, sealed 11 shops in Madurai for allegedly selling banned tobacco products during inspections conducted between May 11 and 17. Authorities inspected 2,106 shops as part of the enforcement drive and found 11 outlets violating the ban on products such as gutka and pan masala.

Over 66 Kg of Banned Products Seized

During the joint inspections, officials seized 41.226 kg of banned tobacco products worth around ₹43,000. Police also registered three separate cases and confiscated an additional 25.044 kg of products valued at nearly ₹25,000. In total, authorities seized 66.27 kg of banned tobacco products worth approximately ₹68,000.

Violators Face Heavy Penalties

Officials imposed a total fine of ₹3.75 lakh on the violators. Seven shops facing first-time violations received fines totalling ₹1.75 lakh, while four repeat offenders were collectively fined ₹2 lakh. Officials said intensive action against the sale of banned tobacco products, including gutka and pan masala, will continue across Madurai district. Authorities also urged the public to immediately report the sale of banned products to the food safety department or police.

Source: The Times of India