Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raided a Ghatkopar-based wholesale drug distributor for running the business without a valid licence for more than 18 months. The raid resulted in the confiscation of drug stock worth ₹61.95 lakh.

Key Highlights

Distributor Operated Without Valid Licence for Over a Year

• Urbancare Lifesciences LLP at Ghatkopar was running without a valid drug sale licence since 2021.

• The company didn't inform FDA about several ownership changes between 2021 and 2024, rendering the licence invalid.

Seizure of Stock Worth ₹61.95 Lakh

• FDA officials seized medicines and pharmaceutical products from the office premises during the raid.

• The company's latest ownership change in May 2024 was not reported, again violating compliance norms.

Violation of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940

• Under the Act, businesses are required to notify the FDA of any constitutional amendments and seek renewal of licence within 90 days.

• Urbancare Lifesciences LLP has done this several times.

Legal Action and Suspension of Operations

• The business will have to reapply for a licence, but release of stock will be subject to court permission.

• The case has been referred to the judiciary for further hearing.

Statements from Officials
FDA officials stated:
"Though they revised their data with the GST office, they did not meet the requirements of FDA. They will have to reapply for a fresh licence, and the case is now subject to legal inquiry."This raid serves as a strong reminder to all chemists and pharmaceutical distributors that regulatory compliance is not an option. Retail pharmacists should keep their guard up regarding the licensure status of their suppliers and ensure that each batch of medicine they buy has valid supporting documents. Functioning outside the FDA framework results in severe financial loss and is a serious risk to patient safety as well.