Ahmedabad Fake Medicine Crackdown: 1,250 Tablets Seized

AHMEDABAD : A suspected fake-medicine network has come under the scanner in Gujarat, with the Food and Drug Regulatory Authority launching a three-day statewide crackdown and seizing 1,250 tablets of suspected counterfeit Nicardia Retard-10 from different locations.

Acting on information about the alleged circulation of duplicate NICARDIA RETARD 10 tablets, Batch No. ACG25007, the authority began inspections on August 19 across Ahmedabad and other parts of the state. The operation was conducted on the instructions of Health Minister Praful Pansheriya and under the guidance of senior officials of the department.

More than 30 medical stores, distributors and agencies have so far been inspected, while the investigation remains underway.

During the operation, officials seized 660 tablets of the suspected medicine from Kishan Medical Store in Nadiad and another 590 tablets allegedly supplied by Parshva Medical Agency, Paldi, Ahmedabad, to Rotary Timbi Medical Stores in Bhavnagar.

Authorities have also restricted suspected medicines worth around Rs 1.70 lakh and collected samples for testing. These include different batches of Nicardia Retard 20, Cilacar 5, Cilacar 10, Cilacar TM 50 and Nicardia Retard 10.

Preliminary investigation has allegedly revealed a supply chain extending from Sena Pharma in Lucknow to distributors and medical establishments in Ahmedabad, with the suspected chain passing through Paldi, Satellite and Sanand.

Officials have widened inspections to firms in Ahmedabad, Surat, Bhuj, Nadiad, Junagadh and Bhavnagar, while purchase and sale records of several connected agencies are being scrutinised.

“The government is committed to taking strict legal action against those involved in the sale of fake, counterfeit or illegal medicines,” officials said, stressing that public safety remains the priority.

The authority said the investigation could be extended to the manufacturer and that police action may follow if evidence establishes criminal involvement.

The crackdown comes amid heightened concern over the circulation of counterfeit medicines, which can pose serious risks to patients and undermine trust in the healthcare system.