SHILLONG: Almost a month after the manufacture, storage, transport, sale or distribution of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine as ingredients was banned in the State the banned is yet to be truly implemented.
Taking cognizance of this non compliance, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Sanjay Goyal has warned that the District Administration along with other agencies would soon conduct surprise checks and raids in the shops of Shillong where these items are still being sold openly.
The district administration, Goyal said, will file cases against shopkeepers selling these products openly.
The Deputy Commissioner, however, admitted that it would not be an easy task to enforce the order and the police department would require cooperation from all the line departments besides the public to enforce the ban.
All police stations in the district have been asked to implement the order in letter and spirit.
The Manufacture, storage and sale of guthka and pan masala have been prohibited under sub section (2) of section 30 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, for a period of one year in the interest of the public health.