Hyderabad: Malkajgiri police on Thursday seized 10.89 tonnes of adulterated spice products worth about Rs 25 lakh during a surprise raid in Medipally police station limits.
The Malkajgiri Special Operations Team (SOT) carried out the raid along with Food Adulteration Surveillance teams. The teams targeted Sai Tirumala Enterprises at Srinivas Nagar Colony following surveillance against food adulteration.
During the operation, officials found a large quantity of suspected adulterated spices stored at the premises. Subsequently, the teams seized 2,300 kg of turmeric powder and 3,350 kg of chilli powder.
They also confiscated 5,140 kg of coriander powder and another 100 kg of garam masala. Together, the seized adulterated spice products weighed 10.89 tonnes and were valued at around Rs 25 lakh.
Police detained two persons in connection with the case. Officials identified them as Satyanarayana and Rudrashekar.
Adulterated spice products draw police warning
Malkajgiri Police Commissioner B. Sumathi warned that police would take stringent action against people involved in food adulteration. She said offenders were making illegal profits while putting public health at risk.
Moreover, Sumathi said police would not tolerate attempts to adulterate food products and endanger consumers under any circumstances.
The Commissioner said police would maintain continuous surveillance to curb such activities. In particular, enforcement teams would monitor the manufacture, storage and supply of adulterated food products.
She warned that those found involved in these activities would face stern action. Police would continue their enforcement measures against networks dealing in adulterated spice products and other food items.
Meanwhile, Sumathi appealed to residents to cooperate with police by reporting suspected food adulteration activities in their neighbourhoods.
She asked citizens to alert police if they noticed suspicious manufacture, storage, packaging or illegal sale of adulterated food products. Such information could help enforcement teams identify illegal operations and act against those involved.
The Commissioner urged residents to report suspicious activities connected with food adulteration to 8712662111.