One of the counterfeit products seized was SEROFLO Rotacaps 250 Inhaler, a widely used asthma medication manufactured by Cipla Ltd.
Published Nov 19, 2025 | 5:30 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 19, 2025 | 5:30 PM
Fake medicines
Synopsis: Following the seizure, the Drugs Control Division initiated legal proceedings against Thawas Pharma, headquartered in Balaramapuram in Thiruvananthapuram, and Med World Pharma, which operates out of Thrissur and Poonkunnam.
In a major crackdown on the sale of counterfeit drugs in Kerala, the Drugs Intelligence Division on Wednesday, 19 November, seized fake medicines worth over ₹2 lakh during simultaneous inspections conducted across Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and Kozhikode districts.
The inspections were carried out on the basis of a tip off to the health department, which called for stringent action against those involved in the circulation of spurious drugs.
Officials said the raids were coordinated under the State Drugs Controller, following specific inputs about fake medicines being stocked and sold through an organised network.
One of the counterfeit products seized was SEROFLO Rotacaps 250 Inhaler, a widely used asthma medication manufactured by Cipla Ltd.
The discovery has prompted authorities to widen the probe to other states, given the possibility of the racket’s interstate links.
Following the seizure, the Drugs Control Division initiated legal proceedings against Thawas Pharma, headquartered in Balaramapuram in Thiruvananthapuram, and Med World Pharma, which operates out of Thrissur and Poonkunnam.
Cases have been registered against both firms, and officials confirmed that steps are underway to cancel their drug licences.
According to the State Drugs Controller, preliminary investigation revealed that the accused firms had been procuring medicines through an unauthorised supply chain and stocking them without valid purchase records.
Authorities have reiterated that traders sourcing medicines from outside Kerala must maintain complete documentation—from the manufacturer to the final point of sale—and produce them during inspections.
The Drugs Control Department warned that any institution found storing medicines without proper records or engaging in illegal stockpiling will face immediate licence cancellation.
Officials added that the investigation into the counterfeit drug network will continue “vigorously,” with more inspections likely in the coming days.
