Maharashtra to Implement MCOCA Against Gutkha Sellers Near Schools: Tackling Organized Crime in Tobacco Trade

Dec 09, 2025 09:13 pm CST

Maharashtra's government plans to amend the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) to combat the persistent sale of gutkha near educational institutions. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced this measure after FDA raids seized Rs 22 crore worth of banned tobacco products across the state. The initiative aims to classify tobacco trafficking networks as organized criminals to protect vulnerable youth from addiction.