Rs 6.6 cr fake drugs seized in Kolkata

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in a joint operation with the Drugs Control Directorate, West Bengal, seized spurious drugs worth Rs 6.6 crore during a raid at a firm in Kolkata and arrested the company’s owner in connection with the case.

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The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday said anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and other drugs, suspected to be spurious, were seized from the firm — Care and Cure For You.

“The drugs, labelled as being manufactured in various countries, including Ireland, Turkey, Bangladesh and the US, were found without any supporting documents to prove their legitimate importation into India,” the ministry said.

The ministry added that the investigating team also discovered several packaging material, further raising concerns over the authenticity of the seized products.

“Investigation has led to the arrest of the accused, a woman identified as the proprietor of the wholesale firm, who was taken into custody by the Drugs Inspector of the CDSCO, East Zone. The accused was sent to 14-day judicial custody. Further investigation into the matter is ongoing,” the ministry said in a statement.

A health ministry official said, “Continuous raids are conducted based on tip-offs. This could be a part of a small nexus. In collaboration with state drug controllers, CDSCO undertook inspections of drug manufacturing facilities.”

Spurious drugs are counterfeit products that may contain harmful or ineffective ingredients.

“They can be fake copies of genuine medications, lacking the active ingredients they claim to have. This could present a health risk,” the official added.