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Karnataka FDA Seizes ₹5 Crore Stock in Fake Drug Raid
Officials in Karnataka say they found a place where cheap medicines were allegedly put into new bottles and given false labels.
The medicines were made to look like expensive, important drugs.
Some packages reportedly used the Pfizer name and had QR codes that did not work.
Officials seized medicines, machines and printing supplies.
They also found 30 boxes of expired medicines.
The seized material was valued at roughly ₹5 crore, although two different figures were reported.
The FDA cancelled 16 licences and suspended eight more.
Samples are being tested, and investigators are trying to find everyone connected to the alleged network.
The Karnataka FDA cancelled 16 drug licences and suspended eight others over alleged counterfeit-medicine distribution.
A raid on August 18 at a farmhouse in Bidadi uncovered an alleged unlicensed repacking and relabelling facility.
Officials seized suspected spurious medicines, machinery and printing materials, with values reported at about ₹5.05 crore and ₹4.91 crore.
Investigators said inexpensive medicines were allegedly relabelled as costly life-saving drugs, including products carrying the Pfizer brand.
A case was filed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, while samples and batch details are being examined to prevent further distribution.
- Who
- The Karnataka Food and Drug Administration, its Drug Enforcement Wing and a Special Investigation Team; retailers and wholesalers are allegedly involved.
- What
- Authorities raided an alleged counterfeit-drug operation, seized medicines and equipment, and cancelled or suspended 24 drug licences.
- Where
- A farmhouse in Kurubarakeranahalli, Bidadi, in Bengaluru South district, Karnataka.
- When
- The raid took place on August 18; the FDA announced the action on Sunday.
- Why
- Officials said inexpensive medicines were allegedly repacked and relabelled as costly drugs, creating potential public-health risks.
Key facts
- Licences cancelled
- 16 drug licences
- Licences suspended
- 8 drug licences
- Reported seized-stock value
- Approximately ₹5.05 crore; the inventory was also estimated at ₹4.91 crore
- Expired medicines
- 30 boxes
- Legal action
- Criminal case registered under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
- Testing
- Samples sent for chemical composition, sterility and potency testing
- Additional action
- Batch numbers and other details are being blocked on the FDA portal
Quotes
U T Khader
Karnataka Health Minister commenting on the alleged counterfeit medicine network and ongoing investigation
“The department officials have identified a big scale fake medicine network or mafia. Upon learning about the involvement of individuals from other states, we formed an SIT involving personnel from the Drug department, police and Commercial Tax department, and the investigation is ongoing. I would not like to comment further now,”
livemint.com
Sources
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