LUCKNOW: In Uttar Pradesh’s biggest crackdown on the fake and illegal drug trade, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has unearthed an organised interstate syndicate allegedly involved in the sale of counterfeit medicines, black marketing of government hospital drugs, relabelling, fake billing and illegal distribution of physician samples.The action, carried out under the directions of chief minister Yogi Adityanath, was led by FSDA Commissioner Roshan Jacob. A team of 15 drug inspectors simultaneously raided 13 pharmaceutical firms across multiple locations in Agra, including Kamboo Tola, Mubarak Mahal, Shoe Market, Krishna Complex, Nawabia Market and Kotwali.During the raids, two firms were sealed, restrictions were imposed on two others under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and 35 suspicious drug samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Authorities have also initiated the registration of three fresh FIRs against 14 operators, taking the total number of criminal cases registered during the ongoing campaign to nine.The latest investigation began after complaints that counterfeit Chymoral Forte and Shelcal tablets had entered the market. The probe allegedly exposed an interstate supply chain linking pharmaceutical traders in Agra, Gorakhpur and Kolkata. Investigators claimed forged purchase bills were used to disguise the movement of fake medicines, while laboratory analysis confirmed that some seized drugs were counterfeit or substandard.The investigation also uncovered an organised network allegedly engaged in procuring life-saving medicines meant for government hospitals and institutional supply, removing “Not for Sale” markings, relabelling the products with fresh packaging and Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs), and reintroducing them into the commercial market. Officials also detected large-scale fake billing and illegal distribution through multiple wholesale drug firms.According to the FSDA, more than Rs 3.63 crore worth of counterfeit, illegally stocked, government-supply and defence-supply medicines have been seized since the special drive began in May this year. Authorities have so far cancelled or suspended 58 wholesale drug licences for alleged violations.The department said the operation is aimed not merely at conducting raids but at dismantling the financial and criminal infrastructure of the syndicate. Officials have also been directed to keep strict surveillance on fake medicines, illegal relabelling, diversion of physician samples and interstate movement of pharmaceutical consignments.The FSDA further revealed that it has received complaints alleging illegal extortion of drug traders by certain associations. Commissioner Roshan Jacob said any such allegations found to be true during investigation would invite criminal action, including prosecution for extortion. The investigation into the wider network is continuing.
