Illegal drug storage unit busted in Hyderabad; Bulk drugs worth Rs. 2.2L seized
Hyderabad: Officials from the Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, busted an illegal godown operating without a valid drug license at Road No. 1, IDA Nacharam, Nacharam Village, Uppal Mandal, Medchal-Malkajgiri District on May 16, 2025. The godown, operated by Indian Drugs and Chemicals, was found to be stocking and selling large quantities of bulk drugs, also known as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
Acting on credible information, a team of DCA officers from the Shameerpet Zone conducted a surprise raid and uncovered stocks of antihypertensive, antibacterial, and anthelmintic drugs. The seized drugs, valued at ₹2.25 lakh, were found stored in plain bags that listed only the name of the compound. Crucial information such as batch numbers and manufacturer details was missing, raising serious concerns about the legality and safety of the products.
Among the drugs seized were 250 kilograms of Piperazine Hydrochloride, 3 kilograms of Levofloxacin, and 300 grams of Enalapril Maleate. The absence of labeling and regulatory documentation suggests possible unlicensed manufacturing, which is an offence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The DCA noted that such unregulated manufacturing poses a serious risk to public health, as the drugs are not produced under conditions that comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). These guidelines are essential for ensuring that medicines are consistently produced and controlled to quality standards appropriate for their intended use. Manufacturing in facilities that do not meet GMP norms, such as ISO-8 clean rooms, can result in drugs that are contaminated or ineffective.
The raid was conducted by a team led by Assistant Director Anjum Abida and Drugs Inspectors G. Indira Priyadarshini (Habsiguda), Dr. B. Lakshmi Narayana (Uppal), B. Praveen (Shameerpet), and P. Ambedkar (Medipally). Authorities confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway and that strict action will be taken under the law against those responsible.
DCA Director General Shahnawaz Qasim, IPS, urged citizens to report any suspected illegal drug manufacturing or storage in residential, commercial, or industrial areas. Complaints can be made through the DCA Telangana toll-free number 1800-599-6969, available on all working days from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Illegal stocking and sale of drugs without a valid license is punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and can result in imprisonment of up to five years.