DCA cracks down on spurious cholesterol drugs in Sultan Bazar, two pharma dealers held

Hyderabad: Two pharmaceutical dealers from Sultan Bazar, Koti, Hyderabad, have been arrested by the Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, for allegedly stocking and distributing spurious (counterfeit) cholesterol-lowering drugs falsely labelled as products of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

The drugs in question—Rosuvas F 20 and Rosuvas F 10 (Rosuvastatin and Fenofibrate Tablets)—are typically prescribed to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Raids based on targeted inspections

According to the DCA, intelligence inputs led to targeted inspections at Ganga Pharma Distributors and Sri Nandini Pharma, both located in the Inder Bagh area of Koti. The inspections, carried out on June 19, 2025, resulted in the seizure of counterfeit stocks of Rosuvas F 20 and F 10.

Following confirmation from Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. that the seized batches were indeed counterfeit, arrests were made on June 25.

Arrested individuals

The two accused have been identified as Praveen Kumar Kanodia of Ganga Pharma Distributors in Sultan Bazar, Inder Bagh, Koti; and Mithinti Srinivas of Sri Nandini Pharma, in Koti. Both were produced before the additional chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Nampally, which ordered 14 days of judicial remand till July 9. They have been lodged in Chanchalguda Jail.

Confirmed counterfeits

The seized drugs were matched against the original batch data provided by the manufacturer. The company verified the products as counterfeit.

Public health risk

The DCA has warned that counterfeit drugs pose a serious danger to patients. “Spurious drugs pose a significant threat to public health, endangering patients’ well-being. These drugs not only fail to treat the intended diseases but can also lead to severe health complications over time,” the department stated in a statement.

Further investigation underway

Officials confirmed that further inquiries are ongoing to trace the origin of the counterfeit supply chain and identify others involved.

Public alert and reporting

The DCA has urged the public, pharmacists, and medical stores to stay vigilant and report suspicious drug activity. “The Department urges the public and all stakeholders to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected medicines to the nearest Drugs Control office,” said Shahnawaz Qasim, IPS, Director General, Drugs Control Administration, Telangana.

Complaints can be reported through the Drugs Control Administration’s toll-free number 1800-599-6969, available between 10:30 am and 5 pm on all working days.