DCA stops illegal sale of drugs, raids quack’s clinic in Kapra, Sangareddy

Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana has conducted a series of raids targeting illegal drug activities in the State, leading to seizures and highlighting ongoing public health concerns.

Raid on unlicensed medical shop in Makthal

On July 24, DCA officials raided an unlicensed medical shop in Makthal, Narayanapet district. The shop, operated by Shiva Raj, was found to be selling medicines without a proper drug license.

The raid led to the discovery of 81 varieties of medicines, including antibiotics, steroids, anti-hypertensive drugs, analgesics, anti-ulcer drugs and anti-diabetic drugs. Some of the drugs were expired. The officials seized stocks worth Rs 1.5 lakhs.

Drugs Inspectors Shaik Rabiya and S Viswanth Reddy led the raid, collecting samples for further analysis.

The DCA emphasised that wholesalers and dealers supplying medicines to unlicensed entities are also liable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, facing stringent penalties, including imprisonment for up to five years.

Seizure at quack’s clinic in Sangareddy

In a separate operation on the same day, DCA officials raided the clinic of Kamlesh Paul in Marepally Village, Kondapur Mandal in Sangareddy District.

Paul, claiming to be a ‘rural medical practitioner,’ was operating without a proper medical qualification. The raid uncovered 20 varieties of medicines, including higher-generation antibiotics and steroids, which pose significant health risks if misused. The seized stock was valued at Rs 25,000.

Drugs Inspectors N Ravikiran Reddy, G Srikanth and M Varaprasad conducted the raid.

The DCA warned that the indiscriminate sale of antibiotics could lead to antimicrobial resistance, while the misuse of steroids could cause serious health issues, including immune system suppression and hormonal imbalances.

Discovery of falsely manufactured drugs in Kapra

On July 24-25, DCA officials discovered that ‘Clamnil-CCM Tablets’ were being falsely manufactured and sold as ‘food products/nutraceuticals.’

The tablets, containing Calcium Citrate Maleate, Cholecalciferol, and Folic Acid, were being marketed under a food license instead of a drug license. This illegal activity was traced back to Alarise Nutripharm Pvt. Ltd. and marketed by Sunesta Life Sciences.

Drugs Inspectors T Shiva Teja and E Naresh Reddy led the raid in Kapra, Medchal-Malkajgiri District, and seized samples for analysis.

The DCA noted that the drugs manufactured without adhering to ‘good manufacturing practices’ (GMPs) and quality standards set by the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) pose serious health risks.

Public advisory and reporting

The DCA has urged the public to report any suspected illegal drug manufacturing or selling activities. Complaints can be made through the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana’s toll-free number 1800-599-6969, operational from 10:30 am to 5 pm on all working days.