DCA officials bust Nacharam godown stocking Rs 2.25 lakh worth drugs illegally

Hyderabad: Officials from the Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, busted an illegal godown in Nacharam on Wednesday for stocking large quantities of drugs, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), without a valid drug license.

The total value of the seized substances is estimated at Rs 2.25 lakh.

The godown, located in Nacharam in Uppal Mandal, Medchal-Malkajgiri district, is reportedly owned by Indian Drugs and Chemicals.

Seized drugs include antihypertensives, antibacterials and anthelmintics

Acting on credible information, a team of officials from the DCA Shameerpet Zone conducted a surprise inspection of the premises on May 15. During the raid, they discovered stocks of various APIs including antihypertensives, antibacterials and anthelmintics.

The drugs seized include Piperazine Hydrochloride (250 kg), Levofloxacin (3 kg) and Enalapril Maleate (300 grams).

According to DCA officials, the APIs were found stored in unlabelled bags that lacked critical information such as batch numbers and manufacturer details, raising concerns about unlicensed manufacturing. Such practices violate the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and pose serious threats to public health.

“Drugs manufactured without proper authorisation do not adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), increasing the risk of contamination and quality failures,” said DCA director general Shahnawaz Qasim. GMP guidelines ensure that pharmaceutical products are consistently produced and controlled to quality standards appropriate for their intended use.

Public advisory

DCA officials have launched further investigations and confirmed that legal action will be taken against those involved. Storing and selling drugs without a license is punishable with imprisonment of up to five years under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

The DCA has urged the public to report any suspected illegal drug-related activities, including unauthorised manufacturing, through its toll-free helpline 1800-599-6969, available from 10:30 am to 5 pm on working days.