Banned tobacco products seized

Food Safety Department officials seized banned tobacco products worth Rs. 50,000 from shops in Gobichett-ipalayam town on Wednesday morning. The raids were carried out by a team led by G. Karunanidhi, District Officer for Food Safety and Drug Control, with support from the Revenue Department. Cases would be registered against the sellers of illegal tobacco products, Mr. Karunanidhi said. But, the officials who acted on a tip-off are at a loss to make out how the illegal tobacco sale could be curbed in the long run. They say it is difficult to cut the supply line to the shops that continue to sell banned tobacco products to a trusted customer base. Officials are able to act on specific information.