715 kg of tobacco linked to Bengaluru supply network

715 kg of tobacco was seized in Chennai after police intercepted a car in Vanagaram on Monday. The huge catch came during a routine vehicle check near Odama Nagar Bridge, where officers stopped a car on suspicion. On closer inspection, they found hundreds of gutka and banned tobacco packets hidden inside the vehicle. This single seizure has once again highlighted how the smuggling of gutka continues despite a state-wide ban in Tamil Nadu.

According to the police, the two arrested men were identified as Sawairam, 22, from Parmer in Rajasthan, and Lakshman Puri, 22, from Jalore in Rajasthan. Preliminary investigations revealed that they had sourced the banned products from Bengaluru and were transporting them for distribution across shops in Chennai. The seized consignment weighed around 715 kg of tobacco, making it one of the largest busts in the city in recent months. Both the men have been taken into custody, and further inquiry is underway to trace the larger network involved.

715 kg of tobacco uncovered in massive operation

Tamil Nadu has enforced a complete ban on the manufacture, sale, and consumption of gutka and other chewing tobacco products since 2013. Despite the strict ban, such products often find their way into the state through illegal routes. Police and Food Safety officials have been working together to crack down on this trade, but frequent seizures show that the smuggling network is well organized and continues to thrive.

In this case, the officers on duty at Vanagaram noticed the suspicious vehicle and stopped it for a standard inspection. When they opened the car, they were stunned to see large quantities of gutka packets stacked inside. Soon after, both the suspects were taken into custody and the vehicle was seized along with the tobacco products. Officials added that the two accused had been running this business for some time, supplying shops across Chennai by bringing in bulk quantities from Bengaluru.

The seizure of 715 kg of tobacco once again raises concerns about how deeply entrenched the smuggling operations are. The demand for gutka and banned chewing tobacco remains strong among users despite repeated awareness campaigns about the harmful effects of these products. Health experts warn that gutka consumption is directly linked to serious diseases, including oral cancer and other health complications, making the illegal sale a matter of public health concern.

715 kg of tobacco linked to underground smuggling routes

Police sources said that efforts are being made to identify the shopkeepers and middlemen who were set to receive this consignment. Investigators are also working to find out the Bengaluru-based suppliers who arranged the bulk stock. Often, such networks operate across states, making it challenging for enforcement agencies to fully dismantle them. However, officials assured that strict action will be taken not only against the carriers but also against the receivers and sellers who keep the demand alive.

Over the years, several raids have been conducted in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu, resulting in the seizure of truckloads of banned products. Yet, smugglers keep finding new ways to transport the material, from hiding them in private cars to using goods vehicles. In this case, the choice of a small car for smuggling was meant to avoid suspicion, but the routine check turned out to be a setback for their plans.

The state government continues to maintain a strong stance against gutka, and police officials have repeatedly appealed to the public not to encourage this illegal trade. Awareness campaigns are also being run to highlight the dangers of chewing tobacco and to dissuade younger generations from consuming it. Officials say that while enforcement is crucial, public cooperation is equally important in eliminating the demand. Also Read: Modi Government’s Four-Pillar Disaster Management Strategy at Parliamentary Meet: Union Home Minister- August 2025

With 715 kg of tobacco now off the streets, authorities hope to send a strong message to those involved in the trade. Every such seizure reduces the circulation of harmful products and disrupts the financial backbone of the smuggling network. Police confirmed that further raids and checks will continue across Chennai to ensure such illegal consignments are stopped before reaching local markets.

Conclusion

The seizure of 715 kg of tobacco in Chennai marks a significant success for law enforcement against the illegal gutka trade. While the fight against smuggling continues, such strong actions by the police reinforce the state’s commitment to protecting public health and curbing the circulation of banned products.