Crackdown against Illegal drugs: Telangana DCA uncovers medicines masked as food products, nutraceuticals

Hyderabad: Intensifying its crackdown, the Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) uncovered illegally manufactured drugs being sold under the guise of food products and nutraceuticals.

DCA conducted raids at different locations on June 25 and 26.

In Siddipet, officials detected the distribution of "Calgrip Tablets," claimed to contain Calcium Citrate, Magnesium, Zinc mono, and Vitamin D3. These tablets, manufactured by Anura Therapeutic Pvt. Ltd. and marketed by Gripkem Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., were falsely presented as food products with a food license.

However, the product falls under the classification of a drug according to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and must be manufactured under a drug license, adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Indian Pharmacopoeia standards.

Seizure of Overpriced Medicines

In separate operations, DCA officials seized two overpriced medicines: Mupipan 5gm Ointment (Mupirocin Ointment 2% w/w) in Kapra, Medchal-Malkajgiri District, and Zandi-200 Capsules (Itraconazole Capsules 200 mg) in Kamareddy. These medicines were found to be priced significantly higher than the ceiling prices set by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA).

- Mupipan 5gm Ointment: Manufactured by Ind-Swift Limited and marketed by Panacea Life Sciences Ltd., this product had an MRP of Rs. 115 for a 5gm tube, whereas the ceiling price including GST should not exceed Rs. 113.62.

- Zandi-200 Capsules: Manufactured by Gujarat Pharmaceuticals and marketed by Zedip Formulations, this product had an MRP of Rs. 285 for 10 capsules, significantly higher than the ceiling price including GST of Rs. 24.77 per capsule.

Seizure of Drugs for Misleading Advertisements

During a special drive, the DCA detected several medicines with misleading claims:

- Suppol Child Suppositories (Allopathic Medicine) by Meridian Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., claiming to treat fever.

- Shri Tulsi Drops (Ayurvedic Medicine) by International Herbal Corporation Pvt. Ltd., claiming to treat fever.

- Tulsi Ginger Drops (Ayurvedic Medicine) by Aarogya Formulations Pvt. Ltd., claiming to treat pneumonia.

These claims violate the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, of 1954, which prohibits advertisements of drugs for the treatment of certain diseases and disorders.

Seizure at Quack’s Clinic in Thadiparthy Village

On June 25, DCA officials raided the clinic of an unqualified practitioner, Bodhani Naveen Kumar, in Thadiparthy Village, Gopalpet Mandal, Wanaparthy District.

The raid revealed large stocks of medicines, including antibiotics, steroids, and analgesics, without a valid drug license. The total stock seized was worth Rs. 60,000. The presence of higher-generation antibiotics and steroids posed significant health risks due to potential misuse and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

Further Actions

The DCA has lifted samples for analysis and will continue investigations. Stringent action will be taken against offenders, including wholesalers and dealers supplying medicines without verifying valid drug licenses. Violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act can result in imprisonment for up to five years.

Public Advisory

The public is encouraged to report any illegal activities concerning medicines to the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, through their toll-free number 1800-599-6969, operational from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm on working days.