The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Pune, Thane, and Nandurbar raided an inter-state network involved in illicit manufacturing and distribution of spurious Ayurvedic and Unani medicines during a joint crackdown. The joint operation from January 23 to February 14 led to the confiscation of spurious medicines worth ₹12.47 lakh.

Key Highlights:Unlicensed Manufacturing and False Labeling:
The racket involved the manufacturing of spurious Ayurvedic drugs, like churna, chyawanprash, and health supplements, falsely labeled to imitate original brands.
The seized medicines violated the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, as they made false claims of magical healing powers.

Seizures at Pune and Nandurbar:Pune Raid (January 23):

• FDA officials raided M/s Tykhe Healthcare India Pvt Ltd at Kondhwa, which has been operating for the past 18 months.

• Ayurvedic and Unani medicines worth ₹6 lakh were seized.

• 10 different samples of medicines were seized and sent for testing to a lab.

Association with Spurious Manufacturer in Thane:

• Products seized some of them had M/s Sufi Centre, Bhiwandi, Thane labels but through investigation, it was discovered that no license was issued for their production.

• Medicines were spurious and misbranded from Pune.

Nandurbar Raid:

• In the course of further investigation, FDA teams raided a unit in Maloni village, Nandurbar.

• Drugs and equipment worth ₹6,47,799 lakh were seized.

• The unit was operating without a license and had used an FSSAI license, which is not allowed for the manufacturing of Ayurvedic or Unani medicine.

Current Investigation:

• No FIR has been lodged yet, and the investigation is ongoing.

• FDA is investigating if these spurious medicines were being sold elsewhere in Maharashtra too.

• Lab report on the seized items is awaited, and further proceedings will be initiated after obtaining the reports.

Official Statements:
GD Hukare, Joint Commissioner, FDA (Drugs), Pune Region:
"The drugs were spurious and had misleading packaging. We are verifying whether these medicines were supplied in other parts of Maharashtra. Further proceedings will be initiated after lab reports."The FDA raid highlights the growing threat of fake Ayurvedic and Unani medicines on the market. Regulators are monitoring online and offline supply chains to prevent spurious drug sales. Consumers should verify medicinal items and inform the FDA about suspicious activities.