Hyderabad: Venu Medical Agencies managing partner Venu Gopal held for distributing spurious `Levipil 500’ tablets

Hyderabad: Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has arrested R. Venu Gopal, managing partner of Venu Medical Agencies, for allegedly distributing spurious ‘Levipil 500’ tablets, an anti-epileptic drug falsely labelled as being manufactured by Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd.

Counterfeit Drug Seized in Raid

Acting on intelligence inputs, DCA officials raided the premises of Venu Medical Agencies in Sai Nagar, Doctors Street, Karimnagar on July 5, 2025. During the inspection, officials seized tablets marked as Levipil 500 (Levetiracetam Tablets 500 mg), suspected to be counterfeit.

Levipil 500 is widely prescribed for treating epilepsy and managing seizures. The suspected batch was sent for verification, and a comparison with the genuine batch details from Sun Pharma confirmed that the seized tablets were indeed counterfeit.

Arrest and Judicial Custody

Following the confirmation, R. Venu Gopal was arrested on July 11, 2025, and produced before the I Additional Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Karimnagar. The court ordered judicial remand of the accused until July 23, 2025. He has since been lodged in the District Prison, Karimnagar.

DCA Asserts Zero Tolerance Policy

Commenting on the action, Sri Shahnawaz Qasim, IPS, Director General, Drugs Control Administration, in a statement said:

“The DCA will maintain a policy of zero tolerance towards dealers, medical shops, and pharmacies found involved in the distribution or sale of spurious or counterfeit drugs. Stringent legal action shall mandatorily be initiated against all such offenders, ensuring they are brought to justice as per law.”

He added that spurious drugs pose a significant threat to public health, as they fail to treat medical conditions effectively and may lead to serious complications over time.

Further Investigation Underway

Officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing to trace the source of the counterfeit drug supply chain and to identify any additional parties involved.

The DCA has urged citizens and stakeholders to remain alert and report suspicious or illegal drug-related activities.

Public Helpline

The Drugs Control Administration has a dedicated toll-free number — 1800-599-6969, operational from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm on all working days, for the public to report complaints related to spurious medicines.