By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: Police in Karachi’s Central District West Zone said a crackdown against gutka and mawa had continued, with a raid carried out on an illegal manufacturing unit.
Acting on the orders of SSP District Central, Dr Muhammad Imran Khan, New Karachi police raided a house in Sector E-11 during patrol and uncovered an illegal operation involved in the production and supply of gutka and mawa.
One suspect was arrested during the raid, while another managed to escape.
Police said a fully operational illegal factory for preparing gutka and mawa was found inside the house. The suspects attempted to flee on seeing the police, but one man was arrested on the spot following swift action.
The arrested suspect was identified as Shah Faisal, son of Mushtaq, while the absconding suspect was identified as Saif, also known as Jab, son of Mushtaq. Raids were under way to arrest the fugitive.
A large quantity of gutka and mawa, along with raw materials and manufacturing equipment, was recovered from the premises. The seized items included prepared packets of gutka and mawa, chalia or betel nut, tobacco, lime, flavouring substances, a stove, gas cylinder, plastic drums, tubs, baskets, weighing weights, utensils, sacks filled with raw materials, empty packaging pouches and wrappers of various brands, along with other factory equipment.
All recovered items were taken into police custody and a case, registered under number 259/2026 with relevant sections of law, had been initiated against the arrested suspect. Further investigation had begun.
The suspect was handed over to the investigation wing to gather more information about the illegal network, including suppliers and buyers.
The statement was issued by the spokesperson for SSP District Central, Dr Muhammad Imran Khan.
