FDA Busts Betel Nut Smuggling Ring: Seizes Rs 3.36 Crore Worth from Priti Industries and Farmico Cold Chain in Nagpur
In a swift and unexpected move, the FDA conducted a surprise raid in Kalamna, seizing a massive 84,537 kilograms of betel nuts valued at over Rs 3.36 crore. The first phase targeted M/s Priti Industries, resulting in the confiscation of 11,727 kilograms worth approximately Rs 56.19 lakh. The FDA then turned its attention to M/s Farmico Cold Chain and Logistic Ltd. in Lihigaon, where they seized an even larger stockpile of 72,810 kilograms valued at an impressive Rs 2.60 crore.
The betel nuts were linked to various entities, including M/s Vinay Traders, M/s R R brothers, and M/s Imran Supari Traders, all based in Itwari. This well-planned operation was led by Joint Commissioner (V) Samadhan Pawar, with Assistant Commissioner A S Mahajan and a dedicated team, including Yaduraj Dahatonde, Rajesh Yadav, Sandip Suryawanshi, Piyush Manwatkar, Smita Babhre, Amar Sontakke, Lalit Soyam, and others.
The FDA's action is a significant step in combating the illicit betel nut trade, which not only disrupts the market but also poses potential health risks to consumers. The confiscated betel nuts will undergo further evaluation as part of the ongoing investigation, with appropriate legal action taken against the involved parties.
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