Ahmedabad, October 24: The Gujarat State Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) exposed a racket involved in producing and distributing counterfeit antibiotic drugs. In a baffling turn of events, these spurious medicines were found to contain calcium carbonate or "choona" instead of the life-saving ingredients they purported to have, leaving authorities astounded. The Times of India report indicate that four individuals have been detained in connection with this disturbing counterfeit drug operation, which had the potential to cost patients their health and lives.

The seized counterfeit drugs had an estimated value of around Rs 17.5 lakh. According to an FDCA release, some of the accused were allegedly operating as medical representatives for "benami" companies, responsible for delivering these fake drugs to unsuspecting doctors. Raids were conducted across cities, including Nadiad, Surat, Ahmedabad, and Rajkot, where counterfeit antibiotics intended for treating serious ailments were seized. Death at Garba Event in Gujarat: Man Collapses While Playing Garba During Navratri Celebrations in Surat, Dies.

Upon closer examination, it was revealed that these counterfeit antibiotics were being portrayed as manufactured by a pharmaceutical company in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh. However, authorities in Himachal Pradesh confirmed that no such company existed, underlining the deceitful nature of the operation. Commissioner of Gujarat FDCA, HG Koshia, emphasised the seriousness of the situation, stating, "When we conducted medicinal tests on antibiotics, we found that they had packed calcium carbonate or, as it is colloquially called, "choona" in these packets." Heart Attack Deaths at Garba Events in Gujarat: 10 People Die of Heart Attack While Playing Garba, Says Report.

"We have sent a large batch of the seized material for further testing and have alerted the drug marketing agencies," said Koshia. The individuals detained were handed over to the Isanpur police in Ahmedabad for further investigation. A case has been registered under provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, reflecting the gravity of the offence.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 24, 2023 02:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).