Published Sep 06, 2026 | 7:58 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 06, 2026 | 8:03 PM
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Synopsis: The Karnataka FDA raided two Amazon-linked storage facilities in Bengaluru and seized medicines worth Rs 4.02 lakh allegedly stored and distributed without the required drug licences. The raids were conducted following intelligence inputs about violations of pharmaceutical storage and distribution regulations. Further regulatory action is expected.
The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) department has raided two unlicensed storage facilities linked to e-commerce platform Amazon and seized medicines worth more than Rs 4 lakh that were allegedly stored without a valid drug licence.
The raids were conducted by the Drugs Enforcement Wing of the Karnataka FDA following intelligence inputs regarding violations in the storage and distribution of pharmaceutical products.
In Anekal, a team led by Assistant Drugs Controller (ADC) Manohar and comprising officials from the State Intelligence Branch, along with regional Drugs Inspectors, raided the premises of M/s Amazon Seller Services Pvt. Ltd. at Thattanahalli in Anekal taluk, Bengaluru.
The FDA seized medicines valued at Rs 2,45,352, which were allegedly being stored without a valid drug licence.
In a separate operation, a team led by Vibha, Drugs Inspector, Bangalore Rural, raided an Amazon facility in Aerospace, Devanahalli.
The enforcement team seized medicines worth Rs 1,57,000 that were allegedly stored illegally at the unlicensed facility.
Together, the two operations resulted in the seizure of pharmaceutical stocks worth Rs 4,02,352.
The Karnataka FDA said the action was part of its crackdown on the illegal storage and distribution of medicines and followed intelligence inputs regarding major compliance breaches.
The FDA is expected to initiate further regulatory action based on the findings of the raids.
The department’s action comes amid growing scrutiny of the online sale and fulfilment of medicines, particularly over whether pharmaceutical products are being stored and handled at facilities that comply with drug-control requirements.
Notably, the FDA had in August suspended the food licences of Amazon, along with Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket, after an inquiry found poisonous Datura fruits and seeds being listed and sold online as food.
Toxic datura seeds and fruits were found stored and offered for sale through e-commerce platforms labelled as food products during inspections conducted by FDA officials.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
