A medical store owner in Surat has been apprehended for allegedly repackaging a veterinary tonic and marketing it as a children’s medicine at an inflated price. The arrest occurred following a raid conducted by the Surat Special Operations Group in collaboration with the Food and Drugs Control Administration on Tuesday. The owner of Shantinath Medical Store, identified as Mohammad Sajid Ibrahim Mulla, aged 51, was taken into custody, as confirmed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajdeepsinh Nakum during a press briefing on Wednesday.

The investigation revealed that Mulla had been transferring a veterinary feed supplement, Himalaya Liv.52 Protec Liquid, from larger containers into smaller bottles intended for sale. The accused allegedly affixed counterfeit labels on these bottles, falsely branding them as Himalaya Liv.52 Drops, a product marketed for children.

Authorities stated that Mulla would extract the liquid from one-litre and five-litre cans of the veterinary supplement and manually fill smaller 60 ml and 100 ml bottles. This deceptive practice enabled him to sell the product at double its original price, raising concerns about the safety and legality of the operation.

Seizure of Materials and Consumer Safety Advisory

During the operation, police seized materials and other items valued at Rs 31,195. The authorities have issued a warning to consumers who may have purchased the tainted product, advising them to seek immediate medical attention if they have experienced any adverse health effects. The police emphasised the importance of verifying the authenticity and quality of medicines with healthcare professionals before consumption.

Deputy Commissioner Nakum urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the sale of pharmaceuticals. He reiterated that the health and safety of consumers should be the utmost priority and that individuals must adhere strictly to prescribed medications.

The police have taken proactive measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur, stressing the need for thorough inspections of medical stores and the products they offer. The community has been encouraged to report any irregularities they observe in the sale of medicines.

Legal Actions and Charges Filed

An FIR has been lodged at Athwa police station against Mulla under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The charges include Section 123 for causing hurt by means of poison, Section 125 for a rash or negligent act endangering human life, Section 336 for forgery, and Section 278 for selling a drug as a different drug. These charges reflect the serious nature of the offences committed and the potential risks posed to public health.

As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on understanding the full extent of the operation and whether there are additional individuals involved. The police are also looking into the distribution channels that may have facilitated the sale of the counterfeit product.

The case has raised significant concerns regarding the regulation of medical stores and the need for stricter enforcement of laws governing the sale of pharmaceuticals. The authorities are committed to ensuring that consumers are protected from fraudulent practices that could jeopardise their health and well-being.

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