Rayagada: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Department under the Rayagada Division on Wednesday intercepted a pick-up van transporting raw materials used in the manufacture of banned tobacco products (gutka) seizing items valued at over Rs 1.5 lakh.
The Rayagada GST Mobile Unit stopped a Maxx pick-up van around 6 am at the Nagavali River bridge in Jaykaypur. During the inspection, officials discovered approximately 30 bags containing fennel seeds (Pan Madhuri), areca nut (Gua), and slaked lime (chuna)—commonly used in gutka production.
According to reports, the materials were being transported under forged invoices and were en route from Berhampur to Koraput. Preliminary findings suggest the goods were being moved at prices nearly five times higher than those stated in the documentation.
Rayagada GST Department official confirmed that the seized materials could be worth approximately Rs 1.5 lakh.
Further investigation is underway to identify the persons and entities involved in the attempted smuggling.
