Illegal Flavoured Tobacco Factory Busted in Fursungi: Two Arrested, Goods Worth Nearly ₹32 Lakh Seized

Pune, October 2, 2026 – In a significant joint operation targeting the illegal manufacture of flavoured tobacco and zarda, the Pune City Police Crime Branch Unit 05, in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), conducted a raid on a Fursungi tobacco factory and arrested two individuals. The action has dealt a blow to the underground production of prohibited tobacco products in the city’s outskirts. According to an official update from the Pune City Police, the raid took place at a premises in the Fursungi (Uruli Devachi) area where flavoured tobacco and zarda were being manufactured illegally. The operation led to the arrest of two accused and the seizure of materials valued at ₹31,91,608.

Details of the Fursungi Tobacco Factory Seizure

The authorities recovered a substantial quantity of raw materials and equipment used in the production process. The seized items include:

• 59 boxes of flavoured tobacco products
• One pouch-packing machine
• Rose water
• Boxes of menthol
• Cans of glycerol
• 1,080 cheese cans belonging to a reputed company (apparently used in the manufacturing or packaging process)

The Pune City Police are currently investigating the distribution network connected to this illegal Fursungi tobacco factory to ensure no other prohibited products are being sold in the area

The total value of the seized goods has been assessed at ₹31,91,608, as confirmed by the police.

Arrests and Investigation

The two arrested individuals have been identified as Sushilsingh Vishwanath Tomar (26) and Umeshsingh Ramdin Tomar (23), both residents of Morena district in Madhya Pradesh. A case has been registered at the Fursungi Police Station. The accused were allegedly involved in the clandestine production of flavoured tobacco, which is prohibited under relevant food safety and tobacco control laws.Police sources indicate that the raid was carried out on the basis of specific intelligence received by Crime Branch Unit 05 personnel. Officers from the Crime Branch and FDA teams acted swiftly to prevent the further distribution of the illegal products.

Broader Context

The illegal manufacture and sale of flavoured tobacco and zarda remain a persistent challenge in several parts of Maharashtra, including Pune’s peripheral areas. Such products are often produced in unauthorised units that flout safety, hygiene, and licensing norms. Authorities have repeatedly highlighted the health risks associated with these substances, particularly among younger consumers, as well as the economic losses caused by the parallel market.Officials from the Food and Drug Administration emphasised that the use of certain additives and packaging materials in the production process raised serious concerns under the Food Safety and Standards Act. The presence of large quantities of cheese cans from a known brand has also prompted further inquiries into the supply chain of the raw materials.

Police Statement

In their official communication, the Pune City Police stated:
“फुरसुंगी परिसरात अवैधरित्या सुगंधित तंबाखू/जर्दा निर्मिती करणाऱ्या ठिकाणी गुन्हे शाखा युनिट ०५ व अन्न व औषध प्रशासनाने संयुक्तपणे छापा टाकत २ आरोपींना अटक करण्यात आली आहे. या कारवाईत सुगंधित तंबाखू पदार्थांचे ५९ बॉक्स, पाऊच पॅकिंग मशीन, रोझ वॉटर, मेंथॉल बॉक्स, ग्लिसरॉल कॅन तसेच नामांकित कंपनीचे १,०८० चीज डबे असा एकूण ₹३१,९१,६०८/- किंमतीचा मुद्देमाल जप्त करण्यात आला.”Further investigation is underway to determine the extent of the network, the distribution channels, and any possible links to larger suppliers. Police have indicated that more arrests cannot be ruled out as the probe progresses. This successful joint action underscores the continued focus of Pune Police and the FDA on curbing illegal tobacco manufacturing units operating on the city’s fringes. Residents of Fursungi and surrounding areas have welcomed the raid, expressing hope that such operations will help reduce the availability of harmful and unregulated tobacco products in the local market. Officials have urged the public to share information about similar illegal activities through police helplines to support ongoing efforts against the trade.

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