Last Updated on December 30, 2023 by The Health Master
BHUBANESWAR: Nearly two dozen wholesalers and stockists in the state of Odisha are being investigated by tax authorities for failing to pay the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
According to official sources, the Commissionerate of Commercial Tax (CCT) and GST fined a Bhubaneswar-based company Rs 50.15 lakh for failing to file returns.
In fact, the CT and GST Commissionerate requested a list of drug distributors with a high annual turnover after learning that some traders involved in the sale and purchase of counterfeit drugs had been evading taxes during the crackdown in September of last year.
The fake hypertension medications were taken from two Cuttack-based traders by the drugs control administration after Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. confirmed that it did not produce the seized batch of medications and it was discovered that the GST numbers on the consignments were fake.
According to sources, the CCT and GST included a list of 22 drug traders in its scope of tax investigation based on information provided by the Directorate of Drug Control.
The tax authorities believe that some traders with a high annual turnover may be engaged in the sale of counterfeit drugs.
Of the 22 drug dealers, two are each from Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Balasore, and Jharsuguda, and seven are based in Cuttack. While three drug dealers operate out of Bargarh, one from Rourkela, and three from Balangir.
A senior GST officer explained that a verification drive had been started to see if these 22 drug traders were routinely filing returns under the GST Act.
“During the drive which is first of its kind to keep track of money flow, we found out mismatch in filing of returns by two firms of Rourkela and Bargarh,” he said.
While the Rourkela-based firm voluntarily deposited Rs 6.05 lakh, the company from Bargarh followed paid Rs 16.87 lakh. However, the CT and GST officials are investigating if there are more dues pending on these two firms.
“The Bhubaneswar-based agency has been fined for defaulting tax payment and verification is on against 21 other traders. Further action will be initiated accordingly,” the official added.
Days back, Odisha drug control administration had seized spurious antibiotics and police had arrested a trader in Cuttack.
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