Fake Telma AM Racket Busted in Thane, Two Pharma Distributors Arrested

The racket came to light after company officials reported that counterfeit versions of Telma AM, a commonly prescribed anti-hypertensive medicine marketed by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, were being sold in parts of Thane under the brand’s name. The complaint was forwarded to the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which initiated an inquiry.

FDA inspector Rajshree Shinde launched a probe and carried out a raid at Shree Ram Pharma, a distributor located in Dombivli. During the search, officials seized around 1,000 strips of suspected tablets. Laboratory analysis later confirmed that the seized medicines were counterfeit.

Although the fake tablets contained ingredients similar to the genuine formulation, tests revealed variations in their chemical properties and dissolution rate. Experts cautioned that delayed dissolution could affect the medicine’s effectiveness, especially in patients with unstable blood pressure, posing potential health risks.

Based on the FDA’s complaint, Manpada police registered an FIR and arrested distributor Pankaj Upadhyaye from Dombivli. During questioning, he claimed to have sourced 6,000 strips from a Bihar-based pharmaceutical company. However, investigators found the claim to be false and discovered that the invoice he produced was fabricated.

Further investigation led to the arrest of another distributor, Vivek Rai, operating from Mumbai, who was allegedly involved in distributing the counterfeit stock.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Atul Zende (Zone III) stated that the probe has been expanded to identify the manufacturing unit responsible for producing the fake medicines and to dismantle the entire network. Authorities suspect that the racket may have interstate connections and are examining the broader supply chain, reports The Times of India.

The accused have been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which carry stringent penalties for manufacturing and selling spurious drugs.

Commenting on the issue, senior medicine expert Girish Mishra noted that shrinking profit margins and intense competition in the pharmaceutical trade may push some distributors toward unreliable suppliers. He emphasized that counterfeit medicines pose a serious threat to public health and called for stricter enforcement and vigilance.