False labeling of antibiotics: DCA raids Jodas Expoim at Siddipet; seizes drugs worth ₹1.33 Cr
According to the DCA, the seized stock violated the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
By Anoushka Caroline Williams Published on 27 Nov 2024 11:32 AM IST
Hyderabad: Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has seized antibiotics worth ₹1.33 crores during a raid on the manufacturing facility of Jodas Expoim Pvt. Ltd. at Biotech Park, Karakapatla in Siddipet district.
The facility was allegedly involved in exporting antibiotics manufactured by other pharmaceutical companies to Russia, falsely labeling them as its own products.
Details of the Raid
The raid was conducted on November 26, 2024, at the Jodas Expoim Pvt. Ltd. facility located at Plot No. 55, Phase-III, Biotech Park. According to the DCA, the seized stock violated the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Assistant Director P. Ramu led the operation, along with a team of drug inspectors, including S. Vinay Sushmi, Ch. Karthik Siva Chaitanya, T. Shiva Teja, and P. Chandrakala.
#Telangana---
— NewsMeter (@NewsMeter_In) November 27, 2024
Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, seized a huge stock of #antibiotics worth Rs 1.33 crore from the manufacturing facility of #Jodas Expoim Pvt. Ltd., #BiotechPark, #Karakapatla, #Siddipet District.
The seizure was made for exporting products manufactured… pic.twitter.com/P0J4wAhAtj
False Labeling of Antibiotics
During verification, the team discovered that the antibiotic Ampicillin + Sulbactam (1000 mg + 500 mg) was falsely labeled as manufactured by Jodas Expoim Pvt. Ltd. However, it was found to have been produced by Indian Genomix Pvt. Ltd., based in Cherlapally, Medchal-Malkajgiri District. This batch, containing 38,175 vials, was being exported under false claims.
Similarly, the raid revealed other antibiotics, including:
• Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (1000 mg + 200 mg)
• Ampicillin + Sulbactam (2000 mg + 1000 mg)
• Meropenem (500 mg)
These products were manufactured by Zazen Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Maharashtra, but were falsely exported under Jodas Expoim Pvt. Ltd.’s name.
Unauthorized Packing Activities
The facility was also found to have engaged in unauthorized packing of antibiotics. “The unauthorized activities uncovered during the raid are serious violations and will attract strict legal consequences,” noted one of the DCA officers involved in the investigation.
Products Seized
The table below summarizes the seized products:
Product Name Batch Number Manufactured By Falsely Claimed Manufacturer
Ampicillin + Sulbactam (1000 mg + 500 mg) JD4479 Indian Genomix Pvt. Ltd. Jodas Expoim Pvt. Ltd.
Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (1000 mg + 200 mg) JD4445 Zazen Pharma Pvt. Ltd. Jodas Expoim Pvt. Ltd.
Ampicillin + Sulbactam (2000 mg + 1000 mg) JD4328 Zazen Pharma Pvt. Ltd. Jodas Expoim Pvt. Ltd.
Meropenem (500 mg) JD4402 Zazen Pharma Pvt. Ltd. Jodas Expoim Pvt. Ltd.
Further Action
DCA officials have lifted samples for analysis and assured that further investigations will be carried out.
Public Helpline for Reporting Violations
The DCA urged citizens to report any suspected illegal drug manufacturing activities. Complaints can be registered at the Toll-Free Number 1800-599-6969, operational from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM on working days.
Director General’s Statement
V.B. Kamalasan Reddy, Director General of Drugs Control Administration, reiterated, “Public cooperation is critical in curbing illegal activities in the pharmaceutical sector. We encourage reporting any suspicious activities to ensure stringent action is taken against violators.”
