Mumbai, Nov 19 (PTI) The Maharashtra government is considering invoking the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) to restrict the availability of gutkha, which is banned in the state, Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal has said.

Despite the existing ban on the manufacture and sale of gutkha, illegal consignments of the tobacco-laced product continue to enter the state from outside, causing harm to students and youth, the FDA minister said on Tuesday.

Zirwal said the state government is mulling using the MCOCA against the owners of gutkha companies, key operators and masterminds behind this illegal trade, a statement issued by the minister’s office said.

He maintained that instances of transportation and sale of gutkha and 'pan masala' continue to

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