CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu police has seized 40,730 kg of gutkha across the state in the past three months, under the 'drug-free TN' initiative of the state government.

In this regard, 5,006 cases have been registered by the police against the offenders while 2,997 shops found selling gutkha were sealed and a fine of Rs 7.26 crore imposed by the State Food Safety Department, the Tamil Nadu Police said.

Apart from this, 391 teams of officials from the police department, the food safety department, and local bodies are jointly conducting operations to monitor sale of prohibited tobacco products near educational institutions.

The Tamil Nadu government has banned the sale of gutkha, pan masala, and other tobacco products as empowered in the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, in view of the serious effects of tobacco products on health.

The public are requested to share information regarding sale of banned tobacco products through the toll free helpline number: 10581. They can also send a message to the WhatsApp number: 9498410581 or an email to: spnibcid@gmail.com.