Police Seize 10.89 Tonnes of Adulterated Spices in Medipally Raid

The Malkajgiri police raided an adulterated spices manufacturing unit at Srinivas Nagar Colony in Medipally, seizing 10.89 tonnes of turmeric, chilli, coriander, and garam masala powders valued at an estimated Rs 25 lakh.

The operation was carried out at Sai Tirumala Enterprises by the Special Operations Team (SOT), Malkajgiri, along with Food Adulteration Surveillance teams. Officials acted on information regarding the illicit processing and packaging of substandard spice powders.

According to police officials, the unit was manufacturing and packaging turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder, and garam masala without adhering to mandatory food safety and hygiene regulations. During the inspection, authorities discovered that approximately 30 per cent sawdust was being mixed into the chilli powder, creating severe health hazards for unsuspecting consumers.

Investigators also uncovered fake packaging materials and counterfeit labels designed to resemble established commercial brands. The operators allegedly used this deceptive packaging to pass off the inferior and adulterated spices as genuine branded products before distributing them into the local market.

A total of 10,890 kilograms of adulterated goods were confiscated during the raid. The seized haul comprised 5,140 kg of coriander powder, 3,350 kg of chilli powder, 2,300 kg of turmeric powder, and 100 kg of garam masala powder.

Malkajgiri Police Commissioner B Sumathi stated that strict action would be taken against anyone endangering public health for unlawful financial gain. She noted that food is essential for human life and putting consumers at risk through adulteration will not be tolerated, adding that law enforcement will maintain close surveillance over the manufacture, storage, and supply of adulterated food items.