A team of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in Kolkata and the Directorate of Drug Control, West Bengal recently raided the premises of a wholesale firm. During this joint investigation, fake medicines worth Rs 6.5 crore have been seized.
The Union Health Ministry said in a statement that during the investigation, a woman identified as the owner of the wholesale firm was arrested, who has been detained by the Drug Inspector of CDSCO, Eastern Region.
In a raid conducted on ‘Care and Cure for You’ firm in Kolkata, a large quantity of anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and other medicines, which are suspected to be fake, were seized. The recovered medicines have labels of medicines manufactured in various countries including Ireland, Türkiye, America and Bangladesh. These medicines have been recovered without documents proving their legitimate import into India.
The ministry said that in the absence of such documents, these medicines are considered fake. The statement further said that the investigation team also found several empty packing materials, raising concerns over the authenticity of the seized products. The total market value of the seized medicines is approximately Rs 6.60 crore, the statement said.
The statement said that samples of the medicines have been sent for quality testing to ensure proper testing. The remaining seized quantity is being kept safe by CDSCO. The court sent the arrested owner to judicial custody for 14 days and allowed further interrogation. Further investigation is going on in the matter.
The statement said that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the public. The seizure and ongoing investigation underline the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards the circulation of counterfeit and substandard medicines in the market.
It further said that CDSCO and State authorities will continue to work in close coordination to tackle the menace posed by counterfeit medicines and protect the interests of consumers.