Bhadrak: In a major crackdown, police busted a fake zarda manufacturing unit in Odisha’s Bhadrak district on Friday and seized a huge quantity of duplicate chewable tobacco. One person has been taken into custody in this connection.
Acting on a tip-off, a team from Bhadrak Town police station raided the manufacturing unit located in Kajimahala area, leading to the seizure of a huge cache of counterfeit zarda.
During the operation, one person was detained for questioning in connection with the illegal factory, while some others managed to flee. The estimated value of the seized items is over Rs 5 lakh, police sources said.
Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the absconding accused. The seized zarda, stated to be duplicate of popular brands, poses serious health risks to consumers due to hazardous ingredients, substandard quality, and contamination.