The Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration (KFDSA) has taken strong action against a suspected counterfeit medicine network operating near Bidadi. They have cancelled 16 drug licenses and suspended eight more, which includes the wholesale license of Pfizer Ltd in the Bengaluru Rural district.
This move follows an investigation that began on August 18, when FDA officials conducted a raid on an unlicensed facility in Kurubarakeranahalli. During the operation, they confiscated medicines, machinery, packaging materials, and fake labels, all valued at approximately ₹5.05 crore.
The licenses that have been cancelled include those of various local companies such as Avesco Healthcare, Bangalore Speciality Pharma, and Surya Specialty Pharma. In total, the eight suspended licenses are linked to Med Pharma, Surya Speciality Hospital, Sagar Pharma Unit-II, Vivantha Pharmaceuticals, Maruthi Medicals, Viva Pharma, Hi-5 Pharma, and Pfizer Ltd.
The FDA has halted the distribution of the batch numbers related to the seized medicines and has sent samples for testing. According to their statement, this action aims to ensure that these counterfeit drugs do not reach consumers.
The investigation was sparked by a tip to the Drug Enforcement Wing, indicating that the facility was sourcing inexpensive medication from nearby states. These medications were reportedly being repackaged under the guise of well-known international brands, particularly imitating Pfizer products.
Among the confiscated goods were 5,640 vials of a specific injection, as well as a range of other injectable antibiotics, raising safety concerns about their authenticity. Investigators found that the labels on these counterfeit products contained QR codes that were ineffective when scanned.
The operation also yielded significant equipment including an injection filling machine and forged labeling materials. The existence of expired drugs raised alarms about their potential re-entry into the market.
Health officials have expressed concerns that these counterfeit drugs could pose serious health risks, as they may lack any effective ingredients or contain harmful substances. The facility was operating without the necessary licenses mandated by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940. A criminal case has been registered, with those involved facing severe penalties.
A Special Investigation Team has been formed to delve deeper into the supply chain and to identify all individuals connected to this counterfeit operation. The FDA urges patients to purchase medications only from licensed pharmacies and to report any suspicious products or packaging.
