Mumbai : The Maharashtra government is contemplating the use of the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) to curb the persistent illegal trade of gutkha in the state, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal said on Tuesday, according to PTI.
Despite a statewide ban on the manufacture and sale of gutkha, authorities continue to intercept illegal consignments entering Maharashtra from other states. Zirwal raised concerns about the harmful impact of these products, especially on students and young people.
According to a statement from the minister’s office, the government is considering applying MCOCA to target gutkha manufacturers, key operators, and masterminds involved in the illicit network. The FDA continues to receive reports of transportation and sale of gutkha and pan masala across the state.
A proposal seeking legal guidance will be sent to the Law and Judiciary Department to determine whether MCOCA can be invoked against individuals behind the illegal gutkha trade.
Zirwal made these remarks during a meeting at Mantralaya focused on intensifying action against banned food products, including gutkha, pan masala, scented tobacco, areca nut, kharra, and mawa.
He stressed that the government will enforce the gutkha ban more strictly and directed officials to carry out awareness campaigns at the district level to highlight the cancer risks associated with these substances.
Earlier this year, the state amended MCOCA to include the manufacture, sale, and trafficking of drugs or chemical substances similar to narcotics, strengthening provisions related to bail, chargesheet timelines, and admissibility of police confessions in court.
