Last Updated on May 1, 2025 by The Health Master
DCA Telangana
The Drugs Control Administration Telangana (DCA Telangana) conducted many raids in the month of March 2025 and seized illegal and substandard drugs in 65 cases.
These seizures have been done due to the issues of misleading drug advertisements, selling of drugs in the absence of a qualified person, and the stocking and selling of counterfeit and expired drugs in the state of Telangana.
Misleading Drug Ads:
50 of the total seizures were linked to misleading drug advertisements promising cures for various health issues.
These misleading drug advertisements were regarding the cure of the following diseases:
- Diabetes,
- Vitiligo,
- Leprosy,
- Tuberculosis,
- High blood pressure,
- Infertility,
- Rheumatism,
- Kidney stone,
- Menstrual disorders, and
- Common fever reduction.
The DCA Telangana highlighted that those involved in such types of misleading advertisements face severe legal action as per the provisions of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
Offenders may face imprisonment for up to six months and fines.
Unlicensed pharmacies
7 cases were detected of people who were found stocking and selling drugs without obtaining the drug license .
The DCA Telangana’s actions lead to shutting down these illegal pharmacies.
Counterfeit and Expired Drugs:
Adding to the concerning scenario, the DCA Telangana also registered three cases involving the sale of expired medications and two instances of counterfeit drugs being peddled in the market.
Furthermore, a significant spurious drug racket was busted, and two legitimate pharmacies faced action for operating without the necessary licenses.
These discoveries highlight the complex web of illegal activities the drug control authorities are battling.
Substandard Drugs Flood the Market
The raids conducted in March led to the seizure of drugs worth approximately Rs. 3 lakhs.
The drug testing laboratory under the DCA Telangana reported that 15 drug samples failed to meet quality standards during the same period.
According to sources within the department, the not-of-standard-quality (NSQ) drugs included crucial medications such as antibiotics, antiulcer drugs, antihelminthic medications, and antiprotozoal drugs.
These samples failed mandatory tests related to assay, dissolution , and description, raising serious issues about their effectiveness in treating diseases.
All these substandard samples were identified after testing at the Hyderabad-based drug testing laboratory.
Counterfeit Threat
Acting on intelligence regarding the sale of fake medicines, DCA Telangana officials conducted several raids on dealer premises in Hyderabad.
In another raid, the team recovered counterfeit versions of the widely used ‘Montek-LC’ tablet, a combination of montelukast sodium and levocetirizine hydrochloride.
These fake tablets were deceptively labeled as being manufactured by Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd.
Drug inspectors meticulously seized the suspected stocks and obtained comparison statements from the genuine manufacturer, Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd.
It was also revealed that the seized batch of ‘Montek-LC’ tablets was indeed spurious and counterfeit.
Temperature-Sensitive Drugs Stored Improperly
In another concerning incident, enforcement officials seized stocks of thermolabile medicines, including vital tetanus vaccines and oxytocin injections, that were being stored at room temperature alongside regular drugs.
Tetanus vaccines and oxytocin injections must be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C to maintain their stability and efficacy.
Storing these temperature-sensitive drugs at room temperature leads to a loss of potency, which may further lead to serious harm to patients.
Expired Physician Samples
A raid on a medical shop in the Mulugu district recovered a stock of 40 types of expired physician’s samples, including antiulcer drugs, cough and cold formulations, and antifungal drugs.
These expired medications were alarmingly stocked alongside saleable drugs on the shop’s shelves.
DCA Telangana highlighted that stocking physicians’ samples and expired drugs is a violation of the drug license conditions and is punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The Dangers of Steroid Misuse
The DCA Telangana’s investigations also revealed the presence of large quantities of antibiotics and steroids at the clinics of unqualified practitioners.
DCA Telangana warned about the serious health issues associated with steroid misuse, including immune system suppression, muscle and bone weakness, hormonal imbalances and cardiovascular problems, etc.
Supply Chain:
The DCA Telangana is now in the process of initiating action against wholesalers and distributors who supplied drugs to unlicensed medical stores.
Supplying and distributing drugs to unlicensed medical stores or pharmacies is also an offense under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Q. What were some of the misleading advertisements related to?
A. The misleading advertisements may be regarding the treatments for diseases like diabetes, leucoderma, leprosy, tuberculosis, blood pressure, sterility, rheumatism, kidney stones, menstrual disorders, and fever.
Q. What are the penalties for making misleading drug advertisements?
A. The individuals making misleading drug advertisements may face imprisonment up to six months, fines, or both as per the provisions of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
Q. What types of illegal drugs were seized in Telangana?
A. The seizures in Telangana included counterfeit drugs, fake drugs (like ‘Montek-LC’), expired drugs, and substandard drugs, including antibiotics, antiulcer drugs, antihelminthic drugs, and antiprotozoal drugs.
Q. What is the DCA Telangana doing about the supply of drugs to unlicensed entities?
A. The DCA Telangana is planning to take action against wholesalers and distributors who supply medicines to unqualified persons and unlicensed entities, as this is also a punishable offense under the drug act.
Disclaimer: This article contains information obtained from the source mentioned below. Our team made changes in the format to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
Disclaimer: The information we have provided is for general knowledge and for informational purpose only and it cannot be treated as medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health issues and / or for the treatment of the same. The Health Master does not claim responsibility for this information.
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