Hyderabad: The Drug Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, conducted a series of raids at several locations on November 19, 2024, unearthing sale of unlicensed drugs, misleading advertisements and spuriously manufactured drugs. The operations were aimed at ensuring compliance with the Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1940 and protecting public health.

Raid on unlicensed premises in Mahabubabad district

Acting on credible information, DCA officials raided an unlicensed premises in Thanamcherla village, Maripeda Mandal, Mahabubabad district.

Nimmani Kotaiah, the owner, illegally stocked veterinary drugs worth INR 53,691 without a valid licence. The drugs seized included doctor’s samples, expired drugs, institutional supply drugs and drugs that can be sold.

Samples of 72 varieties of veterinary drugs were taken for analysis, and further investigations are ongoing.

Speaking on the issue, S. Umarani, Drug Inspector, Mahabubabad, pointed out, “Storing drugs for sale without a drug license is punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act with imprisonment up to five years. Wholesalers must ensure that recipients have valid licenses before supplying drugs.”

Raids on clinics run by quacks

DCA teams raided clinics in Mahabubnagar, Wanaparthy and Khammam districts operated by unqualified persons posing as rural medical practitioners. Medicines worth INR 99,650 were seized during these raids.

Details of the offenders and locations are:

• Mr. Gulam Rasool, D.No.1-18, Chowdarpally Village, Gandeed Mandal, Mahabubnagar District: 49 varieties of medicines including one expired medicine.

• Mohammed Khaja Moinuddin, Sugur Village, Pebbair Mandal, Wanaparthy District: 38 varieties of medicines.

• Inapanuri Jeevaratnam alias Jeevankumar, D.No.1-31, Adasarlapadu Village, Vemsoor Mandal, Khammam District: 28 varieties of medicines.

Antibiotics, steroids, painkillers, antidiabetics and antihypertensives are among the seized items. Higher generation antibiotics such as Norfloxacin and Cefixime were also found.

Officials also found steroids such as Dexamethasone and Prednisolone. Misuse of steroids can cause immune suppression, hormonal imbalances and cardiovascular problems.

Seizure of counterfeit drugs in Medchal

In Medchal, the DCA seized Feroze-XT tablets, which were falsely manufactured under a food licence. The tablets, marketed as nutraceuticals, contained ferrous ascorbate, folic acid and zinc, which classify them as medicines under the Medicines and Cosmetics Act.

Misleading ads seized in Telangana

The DCA also seized drugs with misleading claims, which were in breach of the Magic Drugs and Remedies (Unacceptable Advertisements) Act 1954. Their products and claims are as follows:

• VOLIRUN Oil (Ayurvedic): Claimed to treat rheumatism (manufactured by Ruhani Herbals, Punjab).

• Tulasi Leaf Choornam (Ayurvedic): Claimed to treat fever (manufactured by Maddi Pharmaceuticals, Secunderabad).

• Madhuriktha Powder (Ayurvedic): Claimed to treat diabetes (manufactured by Samraksha Ayurvedic Pharmacy, Kukatpally).

• ED PHENICOL Eye capsules (allopathic): Claimed to treat eye infections (manufactured by Eamon Drugs Pvt. Ltd., Indore).

• Urisis kit (ayurvedic): Claimed to treat kidney stones (manufactured by Ruhani Herbals, Punjab).

Public awareness and reporting

The DCA urged the public to report illegal drug activities, including production, storage and sale without valid licenses. Complaints can be lodged at DCA’s toll-free number: 1800-599-6969, operational between 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM on all working days.

Enforcement and future action

The Drug Enforcement Administration has reiterated that strict action will be taken against criminals and those who supply drugs to unlicensed entities. VB Kamalasan Reddy, IPS, Director General, Drug Control Administration, Telangana said, “We are committed to ensuring public safety and enforcing the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Violations will not be tolerated and offenders will face the full extent of the law.”