The raids, conducted on April 8th, targeted multiple locations across the state, revealing flagrant violations of drug laws and regulations.
Telangana DCA officials seized stocks of illegal drugs in a recent crackdown (supplied)
The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, in a recent series of crackdowns, has uncovered alarming instances of pharmaceutical malpractice.
The raids, conducted on April 8th, targeted multiple locations across the state, revealing flagrant violations of drug laws and regulations.
From manufacturing drugs under false pretences to stocking unauthorised steroid medicines and selling misbranded antibiotics, the operations shed light on serious issues within the pharmaceutical industry.
Based on gathered intelligence, DCA officials raided the premises of Maxtra Laboratories in Chengicherla Village, in Medchal-Malkagiri District on Monday, 8 April, discovering illicit manufacturing of medicines under the guise of ‘food products/nutraceuticals, the DCA said in a press release.
The company was found to be manufacturing and distributing ‘Ferrous Ascorbate, Folic Acid & Zinc Tablets’ under a food license/FSSAI license with the brand name ‘Ferrous-XT Tablets’. The medicines were being illegally sold to medical shops, said the release.
Stocks worth ₹ 5.5 lakhs were seized during the raid, which included a quantity of 20,300 tablets, 900 grams of printed aluminum foil rolls, and 100 units of secondary packing cartons from K. Kumar Swamy, the proprietor of Maxtra Laboratories, it further said.
The product ‘Ferrous Ascorbate, Folic Acid & Zinc Tablets’, is a ‘drug’ under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, used for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia.
Manufacturers of this product must possess a valid ‘drug license’ issued under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act; failure to so can lead to an imprisonment of up to five years.
Similar cases of ‘drugs’ being manufactured under a ‘food license’ were previously detected by the DCA in November 2023 and January 2024.
These products were declared as ‘spurious’ by the Drugs Control Laboratory, Hyderabad, as the content of the active ingredient was found to be ‘NIL’ (i.e., zero drug) in the said products.
In a separate incident, the DCA conducted a raid on 8 April, in an unlicensed establishment in Petlaburj, Hyderabad. During the operation, the officials seized a significant quantity of ‘Steroid medicines’ from the premises, with stocks worth ₹1.17 lakhs.
Nearly 32 varieties of steroid medicines were found stocked for sale at the premises, said the press release. These drugs, which pose significant health risks, are often abused by bodybuilders to enhance muscle growth.
It can result in adverse effects such as cardiovascular issues, liver damage, mood swings, and hormonal imbalances. Prolonged abuse may lead to severe health complications such as infertility, kidney failure, and psychiatric disorders.
Wholesalers and dealers who supply medicines to such unlicensed entities, who are stocking and selling drugs without a drug license, are also punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
In another incident, the DCA officials seized ‘MUPITRUSS 5gm’ (Mupirocin Ointment 2% w/w), an overpriced and misbranded antibiotic ointment at Hanumakonda, said a statement by the DCA.
The product was found to be labeled with a significantly higher Maximum Retail Price (MRP) than the Ceiling Price fixed by the Central Government, violating the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.
The authorities have urged the public to report any instances of illegal pharmaceutical activities to the DCA, Telangana through the toll-free number 1800-599-6969, which is operational from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm on all working days.
(Edited by Shauqueen Mizaj)
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