New Delhi, April 10 (NationPress) - The Crime Branch of the Delhi Police has successfully dismantled a racket engaged in the storage and distribution of expired food and cosmetic products. One individual has been arrested, and a substantial quantity of items that pose serious health threats to consumers has been confiscated, according to officials on Friday.

The suspect has been named as Abdul Mannan Khan, also known as Monu (34), who resides in Bijwasan, located in southwest Delhi.

Officials reported that the operation was initiated by the Central Range of the Crime Branch, triggered by specific intelligence received on April 8 regarding a shop near Kapashera Border suspected of selling expired goods at reduced prices.

Upon receiving the tip, a team led by Inspector Yashendra Singh, under the guidance of ACP Satendra Mohan, executed a raid after employing decoy customers. These customers bought food items from the shop, which were later confirmed to be expired.

“During the raid, a significant amount of expired food products and cosmetics were seized from the premises. The accused was arrested on-site,” stated a senior officer.

Officials from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India were summoned to evaluate the situation, and samples were taken for analysis. A customer present at the store also reported that she had purchased food items the previous day, which were discovered to be expired.

A case has been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Food Safety and Standards Act at the Crime Branch police station.

The police disclosed that the accused had developed a systematic modus operandi for conducting his illegal trade. He allegedly obtained expired, near-expiry, or damaged food and cosmetic items from various sources at minimal costs and sold them to unsuspecting customers at discounted prices to maximize sales and profits.

The confiscated items included Maida and Sooji from well-known brands, poha, rawa, spices, peanut butter, baby food supplements, pulses, dairy products, and a diverse range of cosmetic and personal care products.

Authorities noted that around 900 kg of grocery items were seized, while nearly 2,000 kg of dairy products, including curd and cheese, were destroyed according to prescribed procedures with the oversight of food safety officials.

Additionally, the police revealed that Khan, who has formal education only up to Class 2, previously worked as a street vegetable vendor. His time in that role led to interactions with warehouse staff, which exposed him to the illegal trade of expired and near-expiry goods. He later established his own shop to sell such products, misrepresenting them as legitimate items.

“The accused deliberately sold expired products, thus deceiving consumers and creating severe health risks,” added the officer.

Further investigations into the case are ongoing, as stated by the police.