Gutka, khaini secretly sold in roadside shops

Ineffective ban:Sale of gutka and other banned chewable tobacco products goes unchecked at many places in Nellore. 

Smuggled from neighbouring States, they are bought by addicts at a premium

Chewable tobacco products like gutka and khaini have long been banned but are still being manufactured, transported and sold secretly at many roadside tea stalls and pan shops here.

Though sellers are demanding far higher rates for these, addicted sections of the society are not stopping to buy them .

Stock points

Some traders bring the tobacco parcels on a daily basis from the neighbouring States of Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. In most cases, they are brought hidden under clothes and groceries.

Gutka and khaini packets transported from other States are usually stocked at secret points in Stonehousepet and Nartaki centre.

Only a handful of traders are now dealing with these products in wholesale, as its transportation and sale has become risky after the ban was imposed. Many tea stalls selling them,stop the sale now and then to get away from the officials when raids are conducted.

SC order

These ready-to-consume tobacco and betel nut mixes are banned under the Food Safety and Regulation (Prohibition) Act 2011.

The Supreme Court ordered the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to prohibit all such items in view of the larger health interests of the people.