In a shocking revelation, a pharmaceutical factory in Uttarakhand has been exposed for selling counterfeit medicines made of chalk powder to Telangana, masquerading them with labels from reputable companies such as Cipla, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Alkem, and Aristo.
The illicit operation came to light as Telangana’s Drug Control Administration, in collaboration with Hyderabad police, dismantled an interstate network operating out of Nectar Herbs and Drugs, located in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand.
The accused have admitted to manufacturing fake versions of popular drugs, including Augmentin – 625, Clavum – 625, Omnicef-O 200, and Montair – LC. These counterfeits were then dispatched through couriers to various states.
Authorities revealed that the factory, operating under the name Nectar Herbs and Drugs, was supplying chalk powder disguised as medicines to at least half a dozen states. The extensive network was exposed following a raid in Malakpet, uncovering a carton containing 27,200 tablets of the spurious antibiotic MPOD – 200, valued at ₹7.43 lakh. Simultaneously, a man was apprehended while selling the fraudulent stock near Moosaram Bagh.
During the operation, officers seized a significant quantity of counterfeit drugs, including 38,350 tablets of Omnicef-O 200 Tablets, 60.27 kilograms of orange-colored tablets, 65.27 kilograms of white-colored tablets, 30.18 kilograms of counterfeit Omnicef-O 200 Aluminium Foil, and 33.45 kilograms of counterfeit Omnicef-O 200 Cartons (packing material).
The elaborate network involved various individuals, from buyers placing orders for spurious drugs to distributors, those responsible for fake labeling, individuals engaged in manufacturing and packing the drugs, and even the CEO of the unit that allowed the production of counterfeit medicines.
Law enforcement has taken swift action, leading to the arrest of five individuals, including the masterminds behind the operation, Sachin Kumar and Vishad Kumar. The entire operation has been labeled “Operation JAI.”
This revelation raises concerns about the security of pharmaceutical supply chains and the need for stringent measures to curb the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs that pose a serious threat to public health. Investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire network and bring those responsible to justice.
