Kolkata drug bust: Rs 6.6 crore in spurious medications seized by Union Health Ministry

The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday said that spurious drugs worth Rs 6.6 crore have been seized during a raid on the premises of a wholesale firm in Kolkata.

The operation was conducted jointly by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the Drugs Control Directorate, West Bengal, it said.

The raid at the firm Care and Cure For You in Kolkata resulted in the seizure of anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and other drugs suspected to be spurious.


“The drugs, labelled as being manufactured in various countries, including Ireland, Turkey, Bangladesh, and the United States of America (USA), were found without any supporting documents to prove their legitimate importation into India,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry also said that the investigating team discovered several empty packing materials, raising concerns over the authenticity of the seized products.

“The investigation led to the arrest of the proprietor of the wholesale firm, who was taken into custody by the Drugs Inspector of CDSCO’s east zone wing. A court has granted judicial custody of the accused for 14 days and permitted further interrogation. Further investigation into the matter is ongoing,” the ministry added.

The move gains significance as the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilisers has raised concern over the low conviction rate of 5.9% for cases related to manufacturing, selling and distribution of spurious or adulterated drugs in the country.