Union Health Ministry Uncovers Counterfeit Cancer and Diabetes Medications Valued at Rs 6.6 Crore in Kolkata
Click to start listening
New Delhi, Dec 31 (NationPress) The Union Health Ministry reported on Tuesday that it has confiscated counterfeit medications—including anti-cancer and anti-diabetic drugs—worth Rs 6.6 crore in Kolkata, resulting in one arrest.
A statement from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare revealed that a collaborative investigation was carried out by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), East Zone, alongside the Drugs Control Directorate of West Bengal at a wholesale location within the city.
The raid, conducted at M/s Care and Cure For You in Kolkata, led to the confiscation of a significant quantity of anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and other medications suspected to be counterfeit, according to the ministry.
These drugs, which were labeled as being produced in various countries including Ireland, Turkey, the US, and Bangladesh, were found lacking any supporting documentation to verify their legitimate importation into India.
Without such documentation, these drugs are classified as counterfeit. The investigating team also uncovered numerous empty packaging materials, which further raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of the seized items,” the ministry stated.
The overall market value of the confiscated drugs is estimated to be around Rs 6.60 crore.
To facilitate a thorough investigation, samples of the drugs have been sent for quality evaluation. The rest of the confiscated stock is being securely stored by the CDSCO.
This investigation has led to the arrest of the suspect, a woman identified as the owner of the wholesale business, who was taken into custody by the Drugs Inspector from CDSCO, East Zone, as reported by the ministry.
The court has granted judicial custody of the accused for 14 days, with permissions for further questioning, and the investigation is ongoing.
The seizure and the continuing investigation highlight the government’s zero-tolerance stance towards the distribution of counterfeit and substandard medications in the marketplace,” the ministry emphasized.
