MARCEL, JAN 5
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) on Wednesday evening seized Gutka worth over Rs 10 lakh from a house at Bethora-Ponda.
According to FDA Director Salim Veljee, Food Inspectors Abel Rodrigues and Shradha Khandeparkar raided the raided the residence of one Sudhakar Matkar at about 4 pm.
They seized Gutkha worth Rs 10.93 lakh, which was stocked in the basement. Matkar was reported detained in similar offense two years ago.
“Different types of Gutkha products that were seized include RMD, Kholhapuri, Savitri, Madhu Chapp Khaini, Society Gutkha,” informed Veljee.
“Gutkha is banned under Goa Public Health Act 2005. We have nabbed one of the main Gutkha supplier in the State and soon action will be taken against others involved in this illegal trade,” said Veljee.
“Since the last few months, we were monitoring Matkar’s movements and finally we managed to seize the Gutkha. Our action will definitely help to reduce Gutkha supply in the State,” he said.
“Once we zero down on such big sharks in the Guthka trade, the day will be not far when we can completely stop Gutkha sale in the State,” claimed Veljee.
