Maharashtra FDA recently raided two Mumbai-based distributors, Sagar Traders (Vikhroli) and Sai Baba Enterprises (Bhandup), and froze Ayurvedic digestives worth Rs 1.5 lakh, which contained 'Bhang'. The consignment was about to be distributed across shops in and around Mumbai.

The digestives packed in sachets labelled as 'Bhola Munakka' and 'Maheshwari Munakka,'were manufactured by Indore-based Jeevan Ayurvedic Pharma and Meena Pharma.

"So far no arrests have been made. Since the usage of Bhang is not provided under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic substances) Act, the offenders cannot be booked under the Act. The state FDA has however written to the office of the state excise department," said Omprakash Sadhwani, chief of intelligence, Maharashtra FDA. The offence could be lodged under the Bombay Prohibition Act, he said.

"The makers of the product had clear intention of increasing their sales after inducing addiction among its users. Although, the label said the product contained only 25 per cent of Bhang in it, still it is enough to encourage addiction. Besides, we have yet to do a complete analysis of the product, to check the product's other ingredients and their proportions," said Sadhwani.