Superintendent of Police Ch. Venkata Appala Naidu on Tuesday initiated a special drive against gutkha and other chewing tobacco products at all suspicious outlets and petty shots in both urban and rural areas in Madanapalle, Palamaner, Chittoor and Puttur police sub-divisions. This special drive led to seizure of the stocks to the tune of about ₹5.2 lakh. As many as 235 cases were registered.
Speaking to the media, the SP said that the poorer sections of people, particularly the daily hands and hard labourers, are becoming victims to the consumption of these tobacco products, endangering their lives with cancer and various health complications. Taking advantage of the addiction of the vulnerable sections to these products, the greedy traders are resorting to sell the products to them at higher prices. “Thousands of families are becoming victims to these products. As part of ushering in a healthy society, the police have plans to launch massive public awareness campaigns soon,” Mr. Naidu said.
The SP said shop owners who sold the contraband should know the drive was not the last one. “Anyone found dabbling with the products will be booked under the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003,” the official said.
