Spurious coconut powder racket busted in Begum Bazar; low-quality stock from Karnataka sold as branded

Hyderabad: Task Force police have busted a fake coconut powder racket in Begum Bazar. The police found that low-quality loose coconut powder was being sourced from Karnataka for cheap and repackaged under branded labels.

As much as 8,300 kg of coconut powder and packing equipment with a total worth of Rs 21 lakh were seized.

No expiry date on packets

Investigations also revealed that the products were sold as genuine without mandatory details such as batch numbers, expiry dates or valid food safety certifications, posing serious health risks to consumers.

Illegal unit busted in Begum Bazar

The Commissioner’s Task Force, along with Goshamahal Police, arrested Nakoul Marotiyaa (31), a trader based in Begum Bazar, for running the illegal operation.

The accused was operating from ‘Balaji Purushotham Coconut Business Shop’ near Swastik Mirchi Store.

Acting on a tip-off, Task Force teams from Golconda and Khairtabad zones, along with the H-Fast team, raided the premises and uncovered the manufacturing setup.

Massive seizure during raid

During the operation, police seized:

- 8,300 kg of coconut powder

- 3 packing/sealing machines

- 3 weighing machines

- 400 packing covers (200 grams each)

The total value of the seized property is estimated at Rs 21 lakh.

Unlabelled products sold as branded

Police said the accused bypassed licensing and food safety norms to maximise profits, misleading customers by selling substandard and unlabelled products as branded goods.

A case has been registered at Goshamahal Police Station under Sections 318(4), 274 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 57(ii) of the Food Safety and Standards Act. Investigation is ongoing.

Police issue warning

Officials warned that strict action will be taken against those involved in food adulteration and illegal manufacturing, stressing the importance of consumer safety.