Nagpur: In a major crackdown on the illegal trade of banned tobacco products, the Nagpur Crime Branch Unit 5 has arrested two individuals and seized goods worth ₹19.39 lakh.

The accused have been identified as Dilipkumar Gajbhiye (50), a resident of Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh, and Rupesh Hotchand Jethani (47), a resident of Hemu Colony in Jaripatka.

Police conducted a raid at Jethani’s residence, where banned gutkha worth ₹9 lakh was recovered. Authorities also seized a Tata Ace used in the operation, along with two mobile phones, bringing the total value of confiscated items to approximately ₹19.39 lakh.

Investigations revealed that Gajbhiye was driving the vehicle (registration number CG-12-BA-1192) and had transported the illegal consignment from Madhya Pradesh to Nagpur. Officials suspect that several individuals in Jaripatka may be involved in the illegal gutkha trade.

A case has been registered at the Jaripatka Police Station, and further investigation is ongoing to identify other members of the network.