Last Updated on July 16, 2023 by The Health Master
Counterfeit Drug Operation Busted
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) East Zone, Kolkata, has successfully cracked down on a major counterfeit drug operation in the city.
Acting on a complaint received from M/s Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited, CDSCO East Zone initiated an investigation into the suspected selling and storage of counterfeit pharmaceutical products.
A joint team, led by Dr. Kamal K Halder (ADC, CDSCO-East Zone), comprising officers from CDSCO and the Directorate of Drugs Control, West Bengal, conducted two successful raids resulting in the seizure of counterfeit drugs worth approximately INR 10 lakhs and INR 2 crore, respectively.
First Raid at Bagri Market, Kolkata:
CDSCO East Zone received an email complaint from M/s Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited on January 11, 2023, reporting the suspected presence of counterfeit drugs at M/s SENCO, Bagri Market, Kolkata.
Acting swiftly, a team of officers, including Rakesh Sharma and Yash Pal Singh (Drugs Inspectors), conducted a raid at Bagri Market under the supervision of Dr. Kamal K Halder.
With the assistance of officers from the Directorate of Drugs Control, West Bengal, the operation resulted in the seizure of spurious/counterfeit drugs from leading manufacturers.
The estimated value of the seized drugs was INR 10 lakhs, and one person was arrested in accordance with the provisions of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Uncovering the Warehouse at Moulana Shaukat Ali Street:
Based on the information obtained during the interrogation of the arrested individual, the investigating team discovered crucial leads.
Subsequently, an unlicensed warehouse at Moulana Shaukat Ali Street, Kolkata, was identified as a key location in the counterfeit drug operation.
After conducting surveillance for several days to confirm the presence of suspected individuals and goods, a raid was conducted on July 8, 2023.
The raiding team, consisting of Rakesh Sharma, Yash Pal Singh, Narender Kumar, Krishanu Burman, and Lipika Roy, under the supervision of Dr. Kamal K Halder (ADC), and with guidance from Arup Chatterjee (DDC & Head of Office, CDSCO-East Zone), successfully apprehended the culprits.
The Directorate of Drugs Control, West Bengal, provided valuable assistance during the operation under the leadership of Dr. Partha Dev Kar (ADDC) and Samit Saha.
Massive Seizure of Counterfeit Medicines:
The raid at the unlicensed premises situated at 82, Moulana Shaukat Ali Street, Kolkata-73, led to the seizure of counterfeit drugs from reputed manufacturers such as Sun Pharmaceutical, Alkem, Cipla, Glenmark, GSK, Abbott, Novartis, Dr. Reddy’s, and Aristo.
The seized counterfeit drugs included popular brands like Augmentin, Pan-D, Pantocid DSR, Urimax-D, Clavam, among others.
The estimated value of the seized counterfeit drugs amounted to an alarming INR 2 crore.
One person was apprehended at the location and subsequently sent to judicial custody for 10 days by the Bankshall Court, Kolkata.
Ongoing Investigation and Ensuring Public Safety:
The investigation is currently ongoing with the objective of identifying the manufacturers and supply chain involved in this large-scale counterfeit drug operation.
The authorities are committed to ensuring the supply of genuine and safe medicines for the consumption of the general public.
Measures are being taken to eradicate the circulation of counterfeit drugs, safeguard public health, and maintain the integrity of the pharmaceutical industry.
Conclusion:
The successful operations conducted by CDSCO East Zone and the Directorate of Drugs Control, West Bengal, have dealt a significant blow to a major counterfeit drug network in Kolkata.
With the seizure of counterfeit drugs worth INR 2 crore and the arrest of key individuals, efforts are underway to dismantle the operation entirely.
The authorities remain dedicated to protecting the public from the dangers posed by counterfeit drugs and will continue to pursue further investigations to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
Translated in English by The Health master
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