In a major crackdown on counterfeit medicines, the Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) and the Special Task Force (STF) of the Prohibition and Excise Department dismantled a spurious drug racket in Hyderabad on Friday, November 22, 2024. The operation resulted in the seizure of fake antibiotics worth ₹6.91 lakh.
How the Racket Was Exposed
The investigation began with a raid at Shree Tirupati Courier Services Private Limited in Balanagar, where officials uncovered cardboard boxes labeled as dispatched from Shree Pharma, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The shipment was addressed to Shiv Pharma Distributors in Hyderabad’s IDPL Colony.
The trail led the team to Karmanghat, where the recipient, Gandla Ramulu, had taken delivery of the consignment at a crockery shop. Upon searching the shop, officials discovered four varieties of spurious antibiotics.
Key Findings

• Fake Suppliers: The drugs were traced back to fictitious firms, Geenac Pharma in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, and Wellnow Healthcare in Mumbai.

• Distribution Plans: Ramulu admitted sourcing the counterfeit medicines from a contact named Munishekhar in Proddatur, Andhra Pradesh, and revealed plans to distribute them in Karimnagar and Kurnool.

• Illegal Channels: The operation uncovered how counterfeit drugs were being transported under the guise of legitimate courier services.

Legal Action
A case has been registered at Saroornagar Excise Station under Sections 8(c) and 22(c) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Investigators are now working to trace the broader network of individuals and entities involved in the racket.
Why This Matters to Pharmacists

• Reputation at Stake: The discovery highlights the risks pharmacies face in unknowingly stocking counterfeit drugs. Pharmacists must verify their suppliers thoroughly.

• Patient Safety: Selling fake antibiotics can have dire consequences for patients, especially with growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

• Compliance is Key: Pharmacies must ensure that all products are procured from verified, legitimate distributors.