In a significant crackdown, officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra have seized a massive consignment of banned tobacco and hookah products valued at over Rs 31 crore from a manufacturing facility in Pune. The 24-hour operation, which began on Friday, underscores the state's intensified drive against illegal substances hazardous to public health.
Major Haul from Maval Manufacturing Unit
The raid targeted a facility operated by Soex India Private Limited located in Takve Budruk, Maval, Pune. FDA teams confiscated raw tobacco and finished products worth Rs 31.67 crore. The seized items included scented tobacco and various shisha flavours intended for use in hookahs.
Officials confirmed that all the confiscated products fall under the ban imposed by the Food Safety and Standards Act. Following the operation, the company's premises were sealed, and a case was registered against the company's Director.
Zero-Tolerance Policy and Health Violations
This action is part of State Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal's zero-tolerance campaign. The campaign is directed not only against chemically ripened fruits but also against the illegal production and sale of banned substances like gutka and hookah products.
Analysts' reports on the seized samples revealed a critical finding: they tested positive for nicotine. This directly violates a prohibitory order issued by the government on July 16, 2025. Authorities stated the products are hazardous to human health, and samples have been sent for further detailed testing.
A Pattern of Stringent Enforcement
The Pune raid is not an isolated incident but part of a sustained enforcement drive. It comes shortly after another major operation where FDA officials raided a warehouse in Thane's Bhiwandi on December 30, 2025. In that raid, banned hookah products worth Rs 19.45 crore were seized from M/s High Street Impex LLP in the Dapode area.
Digambar Bhogwade, Joint Commissioner (Food) at the FDA, confirmed that a case was registered following the Thane raid as well. The back-to-back major seizures signal a clear escalation in regulatory action against the illegal tobacco and hookah trade in the state, aiming to dismantle manufacturing and supply networks.
