Telangana DCA registers 135 cases against quacks for illegal drug sale in 2024

Hyderabad: This year, the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana registered 135 cases against quacks for illegal drug stocking and sale.

DCA officials raided ‘Swapna Clinic,’ operated by unqualified practitioner A. Naveen Reddy, in Muduchintalpally Village, Medchal-Malkajgiri District. They seized 38 types of medicines worth Rs. 14,600, including antibiotics, antidiabetic drugs, and antihypertensive medications. The stock, found with A. Swapna, wife of A. Naveen Reddy, included physician samples.

In another operation, the DCA targeted products with misleading advertisements. Two products were seized for violating the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. The first, “Sucramed,” an allopathic medicine by Aryatech Pharma in Uttarakhand, made unauthorized claims about treating gastrointestinal ulcers. The second, “LADY TONIC DS,” an Ayurvedic medicine by Ultra Green in Haryana, was seized for illegal claims about treating menstrual disorders.

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The Drugs Inspectors B. Praveen,K. Anvesh, and B. Mounika conducted the raids in Shameerpet, Shabad, and Medchal respectively.

“The raids uncovered potentially dangerous antibiotics like Ofloxacin, Gentamycin, and Amoxycillin with Potassium Clavulanate. The DCA emphasized that unauthorized distribution of antibiotics by unqualified persons poses severe public health risks, particularly concerning antimicrobial resistance.The DCA warned that wholesalers and dealers supplying medicines to unqualified persons will face stringent legal action, with penalties of up to five years imprisonment,” said V B Kamalasan Reddy, Director General of DCA.

Public urged to report drug violations

The DCA urged the public to report suspicious drug-related activities through their toll-free number 1800-599-6969, operational on working days from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm. Officials emphasized that drug licenses are mandatory for stocking and selling medicines, and all advertisements must comply with regulations.

Further DCA sent the samples from the seized products for analysis, and further investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute all offenders involved in these illegal activities.