Intelligence Wing of State Anti-Narcotics Department in simultaneous raids conducted across the state in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Kozhikode
districts seized fake or fake drugs worth ₹2,000.
“We intend to keep a close watch on this trend. We have followed suit and it has proved to be true,” said K. Sujith Kumar, State Drug Controller-in-charge.
The counterfeit medicine seized was an inhaler used by asthma patients – SEROFLO Rotacaps 250 – a fast-turnover item and manufactured by Cipla Ltd.
The drug turned out to be fake as purchase details could not be traced to the original source or manufacturer (Cipla).
“Counterfeit drugs were seized from one person who claimed to have purchased them from two out-of-state distributors. The product did not make it to market. We were unable to trace the invoice details for the first point and the distributors did not provide clarity on where they obtained the drug. We will expand our investigation out of state to get to the bottom of it,” said Dr. Sujithkumar.
“We’ve been watching medical stores with these discount boards that offer deep discounts on drugs within
“Operation Double Check” is an initiative launched by the State Anti-Narcotics Department to improve drug quality control through inspections of the pharmacy supply chain.
Operation Double Check was about verifying that drugs are sourced correctly, are of standard quality and are not sold at exorbitant prices. The aim was to ensure that all medicines available to the public were of standard quality. The department has implemented a strict control system to monitor the sources of purchase of drugs sold by pharmacies, especially those that offer significant discounts.
The ongoing investigation into counterfeit drugs will be intensified. The state drug inspector warned that traders sourcing drugs from abroad must keep all invoices from the manufacturer throughout the supply chain and present them for inspection.
He said that the drug licenses of facilities that store drugs illegally and without proper documentation will be revoked.
The department has taken legal action against Balaramapuram-based Ashwas pharma and Thrissur-Poonkunnam-based Med World Pharma for stocking spurious drugs for sale. Lawsuits have been filed against these pharmacies and strict action will be taken, including cancellation of drug licenses, officials said.
Published – 19 Nov 2025 19:37 IST
