DCA seizes Rs. 3.03L worth of illegal drugs in 65 seizures across Telangana in March 2025

Hyderabad: In March 2025, the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana carried out a series of raids across the state, resulting in 65 seizures related to illegal drug activities. These actions included the detection of spurious drugs, misleading advertisements, unlicensed medical practices, and the illegal sale of nutraceuticals. The total value of the seized stock amounted to Rs. 3.03 lakhs.

One of the most notable incidents involved the seizure of counterfeit 'Montek-LC' tablets, a combination of Montelukast Sodium and Levocetirizine Hydrochloride. These tablets, falsely claimed to be manufactured by Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd., were found circulating in the market. The DCA officials raided several dealers in Hyderabad based on intelligence reports, leading to the discovery of counterfeit versions of the drug. During a raid on March 18, at Sri Nirmala Pharma in Secunderabad, the tablets were identified as counterfeit after a comparison with the original batches provided by the manufacturer.

In another operation, DCA officials raided the premises of Sri Nandini Pharma in Sultan Bazar, Hyderabad, on March 5, and discovered that temperature-sensitive medicines, including Tetanus vaccines and Oxytocin injections, were being stored at room temperature. These drugs should be kept at a specific temperature range of 2°C to 8°C to maintain their stability and effectiveness. Storing them at room temperature compromises their potency and could endanger patients' health by rendering the drugs ineffective.

On March 6, the DCA conducted another raid at D.P.J Medical and General Stores in Mulugu District. During the raid, they found 40 varieties of expired drugs and physician’s samples mixed with saleable stock. The seized items included antiulcer drugs, cough and cold formulations, and antifungal drugs, all of which are prohibited from being sold. Storing and selling expired drugs and physician’s samples is a violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment.

The DCA also reported the seizure of substandard drugs during the month. Among them was Panaval-40 tablets (Pantoprazole Gastro-resistant), which failed to meet quality standards after undergoing laboratory testing. The batch, manufactured by Brit Lifescience, was found to be non-compliant with dissolution tests. These substandard drugs, which could potentially fail to deliver the intended therapeutic effects, were seized during a raid in Malakpet, Hyderabad, on March 28.

The seized medicines include a variety of Ayurvedic, allopathic, and homeopathic products, each claimed to treat ailments such as diabetes, fever, tuberculosis, kidney stones, rheumatism, sterility, leprosy, menstrual disorders, etc. The advertisements for these products are in direct violation of the law, which makes the promotion of such treatments illegal. The individuals responsible for these misleading advertisements face punishments, including imprisonment for up to six months, fines, or both.

In addition to the seizures related to misleading advertisements, the DCA also conducted raids in March 2025, resulting in the seizure of two drugs falsely marketed as nutraceuticals. These included Medos-AT Capsules, which contain Methylcobalamin, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Folic Acid, Vitamin B1, and B6, and Calgro-D3 Tablets, containing Calcium and Vitamin D3.

Both of these products were sold under a food product license but were classified as drugs under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. These drugs must be manufactured under a valid drug license and in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Manufacturing and selling these products without proper licensing can lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment for up to five years.

Furthermore, the DCA also raided unlicensed medical shops operating without a drug license. On March 5, 2025, an unlicensed premises at Mahima Clinic in Hanumakonda was raided, where 42 varieties of medicines were seized. Similarly, on March 19, 2025, a raid took place at an unlicensed medical shop in Jagtial, where 30 varieties of medicines were seized.

Lastly, the DCA carried out raids on clinics operated by quacks and unauthorized practitioners, leading to the seizure of medicines worth Rs. 1.35 lakh. These practitioners were found to be operating without proper qualifications and licenses, posing significant risks to patients' health. The raids uncovered large quantities of medicines, and strict action has been taken against these individuals for illegally stocking and selling drugs.