India, July 18 -- Food and drug administration minister Narhari Zirwal on Thursday said the government would conduct an investigation into alleged gutkha smuggling into the city through the Dahisar and Mulund toll nakas. The government will also consider invoking the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against those involved in the transportation and sale of gutkha, banned in Maharashtra since 2012, Zirwal told the legislative council.

The issue was raised in the council by the BJP's Shrikant Bhartiya, who alleged gutkha was being sold openly across cities despite the ban.

"Gutkha is being smuggled from neighbouring states and its open sale shows failure of the FDA (food and drug administration)," Bhartiya said, demanding...