Fake FSSAI stickers used to inflate prices; items worth ₹1 crore seized
Bengaluru: A raid
conducted by the Economic Crime Branch of the Central Crime Branch (CCB)
uncovered a godown in Narayanaswamy Layout, Sudhamnagar, near the Kalasipalya
police station border, where foreign chocolates, biscuits, drinks, and other
food items were illegally imported and sold at inflated prices with fake FSSAI
(Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) stickers.
Acting on
information received from an informant, CCB officers raided the godown on the
evening of 08/07/2024. They seized chocolates and other items from various
foreign brands, amounting to more than ₹1 crore.
Officials
from the Food Department, upon inspection, confirmed that the seized chocolates
did not adhere to the regulations of the Food Safety and Quality Authority of
India. It was discovered that the products were affixed with counterfeit FSSAI
stickers, allowing the perpetrators to manipulate prices unchecked.
Preliminary
investigations revealed a lack of documentation regarding the lawful
importation of these goods into India, including the payment of appropriate
duties. Consequently, a case has been registered against the accused at
Kalasipalya Police Station, with legal proceedings initiated.
The
operation was carried out by the diligent efforts of the CCB Economic Crime
Squad, marking a significant crackdown on illicit trade practices in the city.