DCA seizes illegally manufactured and misleading drugs in major raids

HYDERABAD: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) in Telangana has carried out a series of raids, leading to the seizure of illegally manufactured drugs and those making misleading claims. These raids took place across various districts in the state, targeting entities that were manufacturing and selling products falsely under the guise of 'food products' and 'nutraceuticals' and others promoting misleading advertisements.

During raids on April 25th and 26th, DCA officials seized 'Oxifer-XT Tablets' (Ferrous Ascorbate, Folic Acid & Zinc Tablets) in Alwal, Medchal-Malkajgiri District, and 'Nurovis-LC Tablets (L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, Methylcobalamin, and Folic Acid Tablets) in Lakshmakkapally Village, Siddipet District. These products were falsely manufactured under a food license and claimed to be food products/nutraceuticals.

The drugs were found to be manufactured at separate facilities in Medchal-Malkajgiri District and marketed as food products, even though they should have been licensed as drugs. Officials seized the products, which were found to be in violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and noted that similar cases were previously detected, with some declared 'spurious' due to containing no active ingredients.

In another series of raids, DCA officials targeted drugs that falsely advertised their ability to treat specific medical conditions. Among the products seized were 'Pathachatadi (Stone Cracker)', claiming to treat kidney stones, and 'Vat Rakshas Ras Tablets', claiming to treat radio-ulnar neuritis, lockjaw, and paralysis. These claims violate the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.

DCA officials also conducted raids on clinics operated by quacks or unauthorized practitioners in Ranga Reddy and Hyderabad districts. The raids uncovered substantial quantities of drugs stocked for sale without proper licensing, including antibiotics and other allopathic medicines. The indiscriminate sale of such drugs by unqualified practitioners poses serious risks, including antimicrobial resistance. A total of 28 varieties of drugs were seized from Kokapet Village, Gandipet Mandal, and 21 varieties from Musheerabad in Hyderabad.

The DCA has issued a warning to wholesalers and dealers, stating they must ensure their recipients hold valid drug licenses before supplying them with medicines. The punishment for violating the Drugs and Cosmetics Act includes imprisonment for up to five years. The public is encouraged to report any illegal activities related to drugs to the DCA's toll-free hotline.

DCA Director General VB Kamalasan Reddy commended the officers involved in these operations and said stringent action would be taken against offenders.