In its first-ever milestone operation, Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) has revealed a well-structured interstate network for counterfeit drugs spread across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and West Bengal using spurious QR codes. The illegal transaction prompted Gujarat FDCA to put the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and appropriate state regulators in the loop.

Key Highlights

Fake Drugs Traded Using False QR Codes

• Gujarat FDCA arrested four batches with 850 strips of fake drugs from a known pharma brand.

• The medicines had false QR codes, meaning the traceability systems implemented by the government had been tampered with.

Possible Cybercrime in Fake QR Code Creation

• Authenticity is being investigated for whether the QR codes were hijacked, bought illegally from factories, or electronically altered.

• FDCA suspects the involvement of a cybercrime syndicate with superior technical skills.

Four States Marked for Distribution

• The medicines were reportedly distributed in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and West Bengal.

• These state regulators have been updated by Gujarat FDCA to take parallel action.

Country-Wide QR Code Requirement Now in Question

• India made QR code provisioning on the top 300 pharma brands mandatory by August 2023 in 2022.

• This case sheds light on loopholes that may exist in the QR-based trackability system.

Multi-Agency Probe Underway

• Statewide raids and sample seizures have been initiated by Gujarat FDCA.

• Forensic and cyber analysis is being carried out to identify the source and distribution chain.

Training Program for Enforcement Officers

• FDCA has launched a capacity-building program to train 150 enforcement officers across the state.

• The emphasis is on digital forensics, detection of cybercrime, and regulatory compliance.

Quotes from Officials or Leaders
Dr. H.G. Koshia, Commissioner, Gujarat FDCA, said:
“We are probing whether these fake QR codes were generated through data theft, illegally obtained from manufacturing units, or manipulated by cybercriminals with high-level expertise. The Gujarat FDCA is working closely with national agencies, cybersecurity experts, and pharmaceutical companies to ensure consumer safety and dismantle this fraudulent network.”The crackdown on spurious drugs infused with replica QR codes underscores a fundamental deficiency in India's digital drug verification mechanisms. With probes spanning several states and an increasing menace from cyber-enabled counterfeits, Gujarat FDCA's decisive initiative could lead to tighter measures in pharma supply chains.