SHIMLA: In a critical move to safeguard public health, officials from the Drugs Control Administration in Himachal Pradesh, working closely with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), have successfully disrupted a major racket involved in the distribution of spurious Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). The breakthrough has led to the arrest of three individuals so far, with investigations ongoing to uncover the full extent of the operation.
The Surprise Raid and Initial Discoveries
The operation was initiated based on a specific tip-off, leading to a surprise raid by a joint inspection team on a wholesale drug premises near the Paonta Sahib bus stand in Sirmaur district. While the premises held a valid license for drug distribution until December 2028, inspectors found two critical APIs — Thiocolchicoside and Azithromycin — stored without proper purchase records. These ingredients are now suspected to be spurious. Thiocolchicoside is commonly used for treating inflammation and muscle spasms, while Azithromycin is a widely prescribed antibiotic. Dr. Manish Kapoor, the Himachal Pradesh Drugs Controller, confirmed that the owner and licensee of the premises failed to provide any documentation for the stored APIs and has since been taken into custody.
Expanding Investigation and Uttarakhand Link
Initial inquiries into the racket suggest a broader network, with the spurious drugs reportedly being sourced from the neighboring state of Uttarakhand. This connection has already led to two additional arrests in Uttarakhand, indicating a cross-state operation. Officials have hinted that further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses and more details come to light. Dr. Kapoor has reaffirmed the state government’s firm stance against such criminal activities, emphasizing a “zero-tolerance policy” for those who endanger human lives by circulating fake drugs. He stated that stringent action will be taken under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and has directed the Licensing Authority and Drug Inspector to expedite the inquiry and initiate all necessary legal proceedings.
Broader Concerns: Not of Standard Quality Drugs
This bust comes amidst broader concerns about drug quality in the region. In a related development, CDSCO’s February 2025 bulletin declared 38 drug samples manufactured in Himachal Pradesh as “Not of Standard Quality.” These samples included commonly used formulations such as Amoxyheal-CV, Rabicy-20, and Diclowin Plus, further highlighting the challenges in maintaining drug quality control. The state Drug Department has reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring that only safe, effective, and high-quality medicines reach the public. They stressed the importance of continued joint operations with CDSCO and other regulatory bodies to safeguard public health against such threats.
Algoritha: The Most Trusted Name in BFSI Investigations and DFIR Services
Commitment to Public Health and Future Actions
The authorities in Himachal Pradesh are resolute in their mission to combat the circulation of substandard and fake drugs. This recent bust underscores the ongoing efforts to protect citizens from potentially harmful medications. The collaboration between the Drugs Control Administration and CDSCO is expected to intensify, with a focus on dismantling entire networks involved in illicit drug trade. The government’s pledge for stringent action and continuous vigilance aims to restore and maintain public trust in the pharmaceutical supply chain, ensuring that the health and well-being of the population remain paramount.