Spurious drugs, fake medical devices seized in Odisha

Officials from the Drug Control department in Odisha uncovered an alleged illegal drug and medical device operation following raids on a rented storehouse in Kendrapara town. Authorities arrested an unlicensed pharmaceutical distributor accused of running the unauthorized business for four years from the location.

During the searches, officials seized a large quantity of suspected counterfeit narcotic drugs, spurious medicines, and fake medical devices with an estimated total value of 10 lakh rupees. The recovered items reportedly included controlled substances such as Pentazocine, Tramadol, and Ketamine, alongside fake medical devices valued at 7 lakh rupees.

Investigators believe the network supplied these counterfeit products, life-saving medicines, and injections to various hospitals and clinics in the district and surrounding regions at deep discounts of around 50 percent. Officials noted that the fake products lacked active medicinal ingredients, contained potentially harmful substances, and featured non-functional QR codes designed to deceive buyers.

Following the raids and arrest, the accused individual was produced in court and subsequently remanded to judicial custody as the investigation continued.

Not yet reported: The reports do not mention whether any specific hospitals or patients suffered severe adverse health impacts from the fake products.