The illicit trade of gutkha and aromatic tobacco, despite a statewide ban, remains rampant in Navi Mumbai, sparking concerns over the illegal market for these harmful substances. In a bid to curb this thriving underground economy, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted successive raids on numerous paan shops across different areas of Navi Mumbai, uncovering the sale of banned gutkha and aromatic tobacco.

The recent crackdown involved the inspection of 32 paan shops throughout Navi Mumbai, resulting in the seizure of significant quantities of gutkha and aromatic tobacco. Although authorities have been actively seizing these substances and taking legal action against sellers and possessors, the trade continues to thrive.

The recent actions by the Food and Drug Administration, including raids on pan shops in various localities like Panvel, Ghansoli, Koparkhairane, CBD, Vashi, among others, resulted in the confiscation of banned substances worth thousands of rupees. The owners of these pan shops have been arrested, and legal action has been initiated against them, including the sealing of their establishments.