Berhampur: The illegal trade in adulterated food products continues to raise concerns in Berhampur, with police busting a suspected counterfeit spice manufacturing unit and seizing more than 30 tonnes of products during a raid on Sunday evening.

Four milling machines and around five packing machines were also seized, while three persons were detained for questioning.

The raid was conducted around 7 pm at a building in the seventh lane of Laxmi Nrusimha Sahi under the Bada Bazar police station limits. Acting on the directions of the Berhampur Superintendent of Police, a team led by Town SDPO Priyush Ranjan Chhotray and Bada Bazar police station inspector Ashish Swain carried out the operation.

Counterfeit Products Packed Under Popular Brand Names

Police recovered more than 30 tonnes of packed and unpacked turmeric powder, chilli powder and other food spices from the premises. Raw materials used in manufacturing the products were also seized.

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Preliminary investigation suggests that the accused procured raw materials from outside, processed them using milling machines inside the building and packed the finished products in wrappers bearing the names of reputed brands. The counterfeit products were allegedly sold in local markets and supplied to different parts of Ganjam district and other areas of Odisha, as well as destinations outside the state.

The three detained persons are being questioned to establish their alleged roles in the operation and identify others who may be involved in the racket.

Bada Bazar Emerges As Counterfeit Goods Hotspot

The latest seizure has renewed concerns over the continued manufacture and sale of counterfeit and adulterated products in Berhampur. Several such illegal units have reportedly been detected in the city, particularly in the Bada Bazar area.

Apart from fake food spices, counterfeit tomato, chilli and soy sauces, adulterated edible oil, detergent powder and pickles have also figured in previous cases involving suspected illegal manufacturing activities.

A similar unit was reportedly detected in Berhampur a few days ago. The repeated seizures have raised concerns about consumer safety and the sale of products allegedly packaged under established brand names.

Further investigation is underway to determine the extent of the operation and trace the distribution network.