Solan
A joint raid by the officials of the Drug Control Administration, Himachal Pradesh, and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has busted a racket supplying fake Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
Based on specific intelligence, the inspection team conducted a surprise raid at a premise located near Paonta Sahib Bus Stand in Sirmaur district. The premises have a valid license for wholesale drug trade till December 25, 2028. Two types of APIs, thiocolchicoside and azithromycin, suspected to be fake, were recovered from here.
Drug Controller Dr. Manish Kapoor said that the seized drug is Enrichothiocolchicoside, which is commonly used in inflammation and muscle spasms. Azithromycin, which is a widely used antibiotic. The licensee and owner of the premises concerned could not produce any purchase receipt for the said medicines, due to which the team detained them.
Preliminary investigation also revealed that these fake APIs were being supplied from Uttarakhand, from where two more arrests have been made. An in-depth investigation of the case is currently underway, and further revelations are expected.
Dr. Kapoor said that the state government’s zero tolerance policy will be adopted for such crimes. He said that such anti-social elements who are involved in such cases are playing with human life. Strict action will be taken against them under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
He said that in this regard, instructions have been issued to the concerned licensing authority and drug inspector to expedite the investigation and ensure necessary legal action.
The Drug Control Administration of Himachal Pradesh is committed to providing safe, effective, and quality medicines to the citizens and will continue to work in collaboration with CDSCO and other state regulatory agencies to prevent such criminal activities.
