Namakkal: The district food safety department seized about two tonne of banned chewing tobacco from a godown in Tiruchengode on Sunday. A food safety and drug administration department team carried out intensive inspections across the district to curb the storage and sale of banned tobacco products.Officials recovered 63 bags containing approximately two tonne of banned chewing tobacco stored illegally at the godown. The godown belonged to a man identified as Ramesh Prasanth, of Kavundampalayam Village in Tiruchengode Taluk. The food safety officer along with police assistance, seized the entire stock and took the accused into custody for further legal action.Forensics and police investigation are underway to trace the source of the contraband and identify others involved in the illegal network. Legal proceedings will be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and other relevant laws.Meanwhile, district collector L Madhubalan said, “Strict action will be taken against all offenders, and we urge the public to continue supporting enforcement efforts by reporting information about banned tobacco products.”
