Last Updated on July 16, 2024 by The Health Master
Counterfeit Drugs
In a significant victory for public health, Telangana’s drug control department (Telangana DCA) and police forces have successfully raided and shut down an counterfeit drug manufacturing unit operating in Medchal-Malkajgiri district.
This operation marks the first case registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, specifically targeting drug abuse and counterfeit manufacturing.
Unlicensed Facility Produced Fake Versions of Reputable Brands
The clandestine unit, located in Doolapally, was found to be producing counterfeit versions of popular drugs manufactured by well-known pharmaceutical companies like Abbott and Cadila.
These counterfeit drugs posed a serious health risk to unsuspecting consumers, potentially containing harmful or ineffective ingredients.
Raid Uncovers Stockpile of Counterfeit Drugs
During the raid, authorities seized a significant amount of counterfeit drugs worth approximately Rs. 23 lakhs.
This included fake versions of:
- Eptoin tablets (phenytoin tablets IP 100 mg) – falsely attributed to Abbott Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.
- Vasograin tablets (ergotamine, caffeine, paracetamol, and prochlorperazine tablets 1mg+100mg+250mg+2.5mg) – falsely attributed to Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
The raid also confiscated labels, packaging materials, and equipment used for the production of these counterfeits.
This equipment included:
- Tablet compression machine
- Coating pan
- Tablet packing machines
- Blender
- Mixing vessels
- Dryers
- Miller
Investigation
The investigation revealed that Girneni Gopal Rao, a resident of Madhura Nagar Colony in Bachupally, was the mastermind behind this illegal operation.
Rao confessed to procuring fake labels, including pre-printed aluminum foils and packaging materials, from an individual named Nihal in Delhi.
Additionally, authorities found counterfeit labels for other medications, suggesting Rao may have intended to expand his counterfeit drug production.
How to Identify Counterfeit Drugs
Consumers are advised to be cautious when purchasing medications and to look for the following signs of a counterfeit drug:
- Typos or grammatical errors on the packaging
- Faded or poorly printed labels
- Unfamiliar expiration dates
- Medications sold without a prescription (when required)
If you suspect a medication may be counterfeit, it’s crucial to refrain from using it and report it to the authorities immediately.
This incident underscores the critical role of law enforcement and regulatory agencies in combating counterfeit drugs. By working together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of the public.
Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
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