In a significant operation targeting illegal pharmaceutical activities that endanger public health, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confiscated a stock of medicines valued at over Rs24.81 lakh from Pune and Kolhapur districts. The seizures involved medicines stored without proper licenses in Kolhapur and a stock of ‘schedule H’ drugs from the warehouse of a reputed pharmaceutical company in Pune.
Kolhapur Raid
On June 8, the FDA conducted a raid on a pharmaceutical company in Kolhapur. During the inspection, a large quantity of allopathic medicines, particularly antibiotic injections, was discovered. The FDA statement revealed that the company lacked the necessary licenses and valid documentation for the purchase and sale of medicines. Consequently, citing violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act-1940, the FDA seized 29 types of medicines valued at Rs13.62 lakh.
Pune Operation
In a separate operation, the FDA inspected the warehouse of a reputed pharmaceutical company at Wadki in Pune district. During the inspection, packaging of ‘Rectin Plus’ tablets, a ‘schedule H’ drug, was found to contain promotional content regarding the drug’s usage. The statement further noted that such advertising violated the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules-1945. As a result, a stock of the said medicine worth approximately Rs11.19 lakh was seized.
Official Statements
Tukaram Mundhe, FDA commissioner, stated, “No illegal activity related to the manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of medicines in the state will be tolerated. Strict and sustained action will continue against those who jeopardise public health.”
Girish Hukare, joint commissioner (drugs), FDA Pune division, added, “Citizens should purchase medicines only from authorised and licensed sellers. In case of any information regarding the sale of suspicious medicines or illegal stockpiles, it should be reported to the administration immediately. We also instruct that all pharmaceutical manufacturers and sellers must comply with all laws and regulations.”
