Karimnagar medical store owner held for selling counterfeit epilepsy drug

Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, arrested R. Venu Gopal, Managing Partner and Competent Person of Venu Medical Agencies, located in Sai Nagar, Doctors Street, Karimnagar, for allegedly dealing in counterfeit drugs.

The arrest follows the seizure of spurious 'Levipil 500' tablets (Levetiracetam Tablets 500 mg), falsely labeled as a product of Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd. The drug is commonly used to treat epilepsy.

Acting on intelligence inputs, DCA officials conducted a raid at Venu Medical Agencies on July 5. During the inspection, they seized the counterfeit batch of Levipil 500. A verification by Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd. confirmed that the seized stock was not manufactured by them, categorizing it as counterfeit.

Based on the findings, DCA arrested Venu Gopal on July 11. He was presented before the I Additional Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Karimnagar, which ordered his judicial remand until July 23. He has since been lodged in Karimnagar District Prison.

Director General of DCA, Shahnawaz Qasim, stated that the department will continue to adopt a zero-tolerance approach against medical shops, dealers, and pharmacies involved in the sale or distribution of counterfeit drugs. He explained that strict legal action will be taken against all offenders to ensure accountability under the law.

Spurious drugs pose a serious risk to public health. They may fail to treat the intended condition and can cause harmful side effects. The DCA is continuing its investigation to trace the source of the counterfeit medicines and identify any others involved.

The department urged the public to report any suspicious drugs or illegal activity related to medicines. Complaints can be made through the DCA Telangana Toll-Free Number: 1800-599-6969, available from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm on all working days.