The Ahmedabad Crime Branch, in collaboration with the Food and Drugs Department, has dismantled a network distributing counterfeit blood pressure medication. Approximately 1,200 strips of the fraudulent product, identified as NICARDIA RETARD 10 TABLET, were confiscated during the operation. Three individuals, including the proprietor of a pharmacy, faced arrest due to their involvement in the illegal activity.

The counterfeit medication originated from JB Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Limited, located in Bharuch, and carried the batch number ACG25007. Authorities indicated that this fake drug had made its way into numerous medical stores across Ahmedabad and different regions of Gujarat.

Upon investigation, it was revealed that around 1,500 strips of the counterfeit tablets had been sold to consumers in Ahmedabad over the previous four months. Given that each strip contains ten tablets, this suggests that close to 15,000 counterfeit tablets may have reached patients.

Details of the Arrests

The inquiry was initiated following a complaint regarding the sale of counterfeit NICARDIA RETARD 10 TABLET at Lilavati Pharmacy and Wellness Private Limited, situated in the Satellite area of Ahmedabad. Following this, the Food and Drugs Department traced the suspicious stock to various medical outlets.

Investigators identified that approximately 11 pharmacies in Ahmedabad had received the counterfeit medication from Parshva Medical Store. The arrested individuals include Darshil Sanghvi, who is linked to Parshva Medical Store, along with Devendra Yadav and Umang Rastogi from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Reports indicate that Yadav and Rastogi were responsible for supplying the counterfeit medicines to Gujarat, while Sanghvi knowingly purchased and distributed the fake products. Authorities noted that Sanghvi was incentivised by an 18 per cent commission on each sale.

Distribution Network and Ongoing Investigation

Besides Ahmedabad, the counterfeit medication was also distributed in cities such as Surat, Bhavnagar, Nadiad, and Bhuj. Following the arrests, the Ahmedabad Metro Court granted the Crime Branch a seven-day remand for the accused, although the police had initially requested a ten-day period.

Investigators are focused on identifying the manufacturers of the counterfeit medicine, finding the facilities involved in its packaging and sealing, and uncovering the machinery and materials that were utilised. To expedite the investigation, four Crime Branch teams have been dispatched across various states to trace the broader distribution network.

Authorities acknowledged that some individuals connected to this case are still at large. Additionally, a similar complaint has been filed against two individuals in Maharashtra. The inquiry continues to ascertain the full scale of the counterfeit medication’s distribution and its origins.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share