Huge Haul of Illegal Tobacco and Pan Masala Seized in Semiliguda

Semiliguda, Sept 18, 2025: In a significant crackdown against the illegal trade of harmful substances, Semiliguda police seized a massive consignment of banned tobacco and pan masala products from a godown on Nandapur Road on Wednesday. The operation, carried out by a police team led by SI Purnima Tirkey, followed a credible tip-off received during routine patrolling in the area.

SI Tirkey, along with ASI Biranchibanua, WC Bharati Sethi, Constable Sanjay Naik, and members of the Odisha Auxiliary Police Force, was patrolling along MDR-55 near Satya Nagar Chowk when information surfaced about a suspicious storage of tobacco products. Acting promptly, the team raided the godown belonging to Siba Shankar Patra, located opposite Car Spa near Shaheed Laxman Nayak Nagar. Inside, police found huge quantities of pan masala, khaini, and zarda illegally stocked for sale.

The seized contraband, packed in dozens of jari and jute bags, included popular brands such as Momo Deluxe Mix Red, Mohan Deluxe Mix, KP Black Label Zarda, V1 Tobacco (Vimal), Raj Nivas Pan Masala, Minar Khaini, RN-1 Zafarani Zarda, and Vimal Pan Masala. Police sources confirmed that thousands of packets were recovered, and an Ashok Leyland Bada Dost vehicle (OD-10-T-2191) loaded with the products was also taken into custody.

The accused, identified as Siba Shankar Patra (45), owner of the godown, and Baruna Pradhan (25), driver of the vehicle, were immediately detained. Investigators believe the duo had been transporting the products under the guise of regular goods and selling them in local markets despite the state-wide prohibition.

Officials stressed that the seized items are not only injurious to health but also violate the Government of Odisha’s Family Welfare Department notification (No. 367/H, dated 03.01.2013), which bans the manufacture, storage, sale, and distribution of tobacco, pan masala, and nicotine products. The case has been registered under Sections 223/274/275/3(5) BNSS, 50/51/56/57/58/59 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and Sections 7/20 of the COTPA Act, 2003.

Food Safety Officer Trilochan Beniya was present during the raid and formally verified the seizure in the presence of witnesses. Police officials underlined that such illegal trade directly undermines public health and contributes to the spread of life-threatening diseases.

The matter has been reported to the IIC of Semiliguda PS, and investigations are underway to trace the wider supply chain and identify other individuals involved in the racket. Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken to curb the circulation of such banned substances in the region.