The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has continued its crackdown on counterfeit drugs, arresting a key distributor in connection with the illegal sale of spurious Levipil 500 tablets. This follows a recent series of seizures involving counterfeit anti-epileptic drugs across Hyderabad and Karimnagar.

Key highlights

Second arrest in counterfeit drug seizures

• Manish Kumar, partner at Arvind Pharma Distributors in Hyderabad's SBI Staff Colony, was arrested on July 8, 2025, for dealing with counterfeit drugs.

• Judicial remand for the accused has been set until July 23, 2025, after he was sent to Chanchalguda Jail.

Counterfeit drugs seized

• Levipil 500 (levetiracetam 500 mg), an anti-epileptic drug, was found being sold as a legitimate product from Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd, but was confirmed to be counterfeit.

• The seizure took place in simultaneous raids across Hyderabad and Karimnagar on July 4, 2025.

Past action and legal measures

• The DCA had earlier arrested two wholesale dealers on June 27, 2025, for selling counterfeit drugs. They were also remanded to judicial custody.

• This move is backed by a Supreme Court verdict that authorizes drug inspectors to arrest offenders without a warrant.

Zero-tolerance policy on counterfeit drugs

• Dr. Shahnawaz Qasim, DCA Director General, has emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards spurious drug distributors.

• Stringent legal action will be taken against offenders to ensure justice as per the law.

Ongoing investigation

• Further investigations are underway to trace the source of the counterfeit drugs and identify all involved in the illegal distribution network.

• The DCA is committed to eliminating all spurious drugs from the market to protect public health.

Public health alert

• A DCA circular warns the public about the dangers posed by counterfeit medicines, urging immediate action to report any suspected spurious drugs.

• Counterfeit drugs can lead to severe health complications and adversely affect patient safety.

The Telangana DCA's continued efforts to remove counterfeit drugs from the market reflect the state's commitment to public health. By maintaining a zero-tolerance policy and actively investigating drug networks, the DCA is working diligently to safeguard the quality and safety of medicines. The public is urged to stay vigilant and report any instances of spurious drug sales to ensure collective action in combating this widespread issue.