Nanded: While all forms of dialogue between India and Pakistan remain suspended, this latest incident concerns those aspiring to look beautiful; consumers focused solely on the purchase, often unaware of the product’s country of origin or the nature of the goods they are buying.
Amidst a campaign against adulterated, counterfeit and suspicious products led by IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra, a major operation in Nanded has drawn significant attention. A joint team comprising the FDA and the police raided the Itwara area of the city and seized a massive stockpile of banned Pakistani cosmetics valued at approximately ₹50 to ₹60 lakh.
The raid uncovered a large cache of 37 different types of Pakistani beauty products that are strictly banned by the Government of India. How did these products reach here despite the ban? Is this part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by Pakistan? The police are now investigating this angle. This operation has not only raised questions about the illegal cosmetics trade but also indicated that an organized network distributing banned foreign products has successfully infiltrated the Indian market.
MADE IN PAKISTAN COSMETICS FOUND IN MAHARASHTRA!
FDA and police raided a godown and seized 37 types of banned Pakistani beauty products worth Rs 50-60 lakh in Nanded, Maharashtra.
Muslim owner taken into custody.@DGPMaharashtra @NiteshNRane @Dev_Fadnavis
Source AngrySaffron pic.twitter.com/uideeKmOq6
— Deepak kumar™ (@DeepakRPSingh) July 10, 2026
Tip-off reveals multi-crore network
The police and the FDA received information that a large quantity of foreign cosmetics, whose sale is prohibited in India, was being stored at ‘Afra General Stores’ and its associated warehouse in the Manyar Galli area of Itwara. Acting on this information, the joint team conducted a raid. During the search, approximately 37 to 38 varieties of Pakistan-manufactured cosmetics were seized. These include various creams, face washes, skin treatment products, hair care items and other cosmetic goods. Preliminary estimates place the value of the seized consignment between ₹50 lakh and ₹60 lakh.
One individual has been detained and is currently being interrogated in connection with the operation. The police are now working to determine the route by which this banned consignment reached India, identify the supplier, and ascertain whether an organized gang is behind the operation.
Laboratory tests to reveal the true risk
The FDA has sent samples of all the seized products to a laboratory. Only after the test reports are received will it become clear which chemical ingredients are present and whether they violate Indian safety standards. Officials state that if banned or health-hazardous chemicals are detected in the products, stricter legal action will be taken against those involved.
Entire supply chain under scrutiny
Investigative agencies are currently examining bills, transport documents, warehouse records and the supply chain. Officials believe that the discovery of such a large quantity of banned foreign cosmetics points toward an organized supply network. If this suspicion is confirmed, the investigation could extend to other districts and states.
Rameshwar Khanal, Police Inspector at the Itwara Police Station, has clearly stated that strict legal action will be taken against those who jeopardize public health and the role of every individual implicated in the investigation will be thoroughly scrutinized.
FDA campaign sends a strong message
For some time now, the FDA in Maharashtra has been conducting a sustained campaign against adulterated food products, spurious medicines and suspicious cosmetics. The operation in Nanded is considered a significant part of this ongoing drive. It sends a clear message to the business community that the administration is keeping a close watch on those selling banned or suspicious products and that negligence at any level will not be tolerated.
It is noteworthy that in recent months, the Food and Drug Administration and the police have conducted sustained drives against adulterated food items, counterfeit medicines and suspicious cosmetic products across various parts of the country, including Maharashtra. Foreign cosmetics lacking valid documentation, counterfeit branded beauty products, illegal skin-lightening creams and unlicensed cosmetics have been seized at numerous locations. Similarly, surveillance regarding the sale of unregistered cosmetic products via online channels has also been stepped up.
