The Directorate General of Consumer Protection in North Al Batinah Governorate successfully seized large quantities of smokeless chewing tobacco products at a site within the governorate, as part of its continuous regulatory efforts to protect the health and safety of consumers and curb the circulation of prohibited products.
The details of the seizure stem from information received by the Directorate indicating that expatriate workers were exploiting a site to engage in the sale and circulation of smokeless chewing tobacco and its derivatives in violation of the applicable laws and regulations.
Accordingly, after completing the necessary legal procedures and obtaining the required authorizations from the competent authorities, the site was raided, and large quantities of prohibited products and materials used in their preparation and packaging were seized.
The seizure operation resulted in the confiscation of (1,729) bags of “Pan Bahar”, (11) packs of chewing tobacco (Beel), (500) bags of chewing tobacco, in addition to (51) kilograms of raw supari, (400) empty packaging bags, and (1,000) bundles of tying and packaging materials, bringing the total quantity of seized smokeless chewing tobacco products to more than (2,200) bags and packs. During the operation, cash amounts suspected to be proceeds from the sale and promotion of these prohibited products were also found, further confirming the existence of an unlawful activity aimed at circulating products that pose risks to the health and safety of consumers. All seized items and confiscated cash amounts have been retained pending referral of the case file to the Public Prosecution and the completion of the legal procedures against the violators.
The Consumer Protection Authority affirms its continued regulatory efforts to combat the circulation of prohibited goods and products and calls upon members of the public to cooperate by reporting any unlawful practices that may endanger the health and safety of consumers, thereby contributing to strengthening consumer protection and safeguarding consumer rights.
