Nashik: The Malegaon police on Thursday conducted 11 raids on pan and grocery shops, and seized gutka worth Rs 1.7 lakh.
The raids were conducted in places falling under the limits of Pawarwadi, Killa, Ramzanpura, Azadnagar and Chhavani police stations.
According to the police, despite conducting raids at regular intervals, a large number of people smuggle gutka from neighbouring states and sell it discreetly.
FIRs have been registered against the suspects for offences punishable under sections328 (causing hurt by means of poison, etc., with intent to commit an offence), 272 (adulteration of food or drink intended for sale), 273 (sale of noxious food or drink) and 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of Indian Penal Code.
The raids were conducted after superintendent of police (Nashik Rural), Shahaji Umap instructed the incharges of all police stations to ensure that the ban on gutka and other narcotics is strictly enforced.
The police have also set up special squads to trace sale of products across the district.
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