Six Pharma Firms Under UP FSDA Scanner Over Alleged Counterfeit Medicines Network
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has intensified its crackdown on the counterfeit medicines trade, with around six pharmaceutical firms in the state capital coming under investigation as officials gather evidence of their alleged involvement in the illegal supply chain. Preliminary findings have indicated several suspicious transactions and instances of medicine procurement and sale without valid documentation, prompting the department to widen its investigation.
According to officials, the investigation is currently focused on collecting documentary evidence against the identified firms. Once the inquiry is completed, the department is expected to carry out raids and initiate legal action against the establishments found to be involved in the counterfeit drug trade. Initial scrutiny has revealed irregularities in purchase and sale records, raising concerns about possible violations of pharmaceutical distribution norms.
Investigating agencies suspect that the alleged network is not confined to Lucknow alone. Authorities are examining whether the supply chain extends to pharmaceutical dealers and suppliers operating in other states. The probe is also looking into the possibility of interstate trading of counterfeit and relabelled medicines. To facilitate the investigation, the FSDA is obtaining information from drug regulatory authorities in the concerned states to trace the movement of medicines and identify those involved in the network.
The latest action follows a recent enforcement drive in which FSDA teams conducted raids at 25 medical stores and pharmaceutical firms. Following the inspections, operations of 12 firms were suspended. During the investigation, officials found that the operators of these establishments were allegedly linked to around six additional firms that have now come under the scanner. Authorities are currently scrutinising purchase and sales records, stock registers, invoices, transport documents and the entire supply chain to establish the extent of the alleged illegal activities.
Officials believe that the ongoing investigation could expose a much larger counterfeit medicines network, with the possibility of more pharmaceutical firms and medical stores being identified as the probe progresses. The scope of the investigation continues to expand, and the FSDA has indicated that its enforcement campaign will continue until the entire network involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit medicines is dismantled.
Amar Ujala reports that the investigation has gathered momentum following recent enforcement actions against counterfeit medicines in Lucknow, with the authorities now focusing on uncovering the broader network behind the alleged illegal pharmaceutical trade.
