Telangana DCA registers 141 cases against quacks for illegally practicing, selling drugs

Hyderabad: Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has registered 141 cases against quacks for stocking and selling drugs illegally since January 2024.

These individuals, posing as rural medical practitioners, were found operating without proper qualifications, endangering public health by distributing medicines without a license.

Recent Raids in Nalgonda and Medchal

On January 21, 2025, DCA officials raided two clinics operated by quacks:

• Thopucherla Village, Nalgonda District: Onteddu Saidireddy was found with 31 types of drugs at his premises.

• Mallampet Village, Medchal District: Nizamuddin Mohammad was found stocking 22 types of medicines.

Medicines seized during the raids included antibiotics like Cefpodoxime and Amoxicillin, along with anti-ulcer drugs and analgesics. The total value of the seized stock amounted to ₹59,525.

Emerging Concerns of Antimicrobial Resistance

The DCA emphasized the dangers posed by the indiscriminate sale of antibiotics by unqualified individuals. “Antimicrobial resistance is a serious consequence of such illegal practices and poses a grave threat to public health,” the department warned in a statement.

Action Against Offenders and Suppliers

J. Ashwin Kumar, M. Hemalatha, and Dr. R. Geethanjali, Drugs Inspectors, led the raids. Samples have been lifted for analysis, and further investigations are underway.

The DCA also cautioned wholesalers and dealers to verify the drug licenses of recipients before supplying medicines, as they too are liable for legal action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Imprisonment for Illegal Stocking and Sale of Drugs

Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, stocking and selling medicines without a license is punishable by imprisonment of up to five years. The department urged the public to report any illegal drug-related activities.

Seizure of Mak-Plate Syrup for Misleading Advertisements

In a separate raid in Eturunagaram, Mulugu District, DCA officials seized stocks of ‘Mak-Plate Syrup,’ an Ayurvedic medicine falsely claiming to treat “Fevers and Dengue.” This contravenes the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, which prohibits advertising medicines for certain diseases and disorders.

The syrup, manufactured by Comex Herbal Product and marketed by Maksun Biotech Pvt. Ltd., was found at a medical store in the district. P. Pavani, Drugs Inspector, conducted the raid.

Public Awareness and Reporting

The DCA urged the public to report any illegal drug activities, including unlicensed manufacturing and sales, through its toll-free number, 1800-599-6969, operational on working days from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM.