Counterfeit, unregistered drugs worth millions seized in raid

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Saturday raided a pharmacy and a warehouse in Gizri, and seized counterfeit and unregistered medicines worth millions of rupees.

“Several medicines were found to have altered price tags, indicating potential illegal activities in the distribution and sale of pharmaceutical products,” a Drap official said. He said that the entire stock of medicines was seized for further investigation, and three employees were taken into custody.

He also said that samples of the seized drugs would be sent to Drap’s Central Drug Testing Lab to ascertain their authenticity and safety for public consumption. He hoped that the owner of the medical store and warehouse would soon be in custody.

“Counterfeit and spurious medicines pose a significant threat to public health, as they often lack the necessary ingredients or contain harmful substances. The availability of such medicines in the market not only undermines the healthcare system but also puts the lives of patients at risk.”

The official said Drap and the FIA have intensified their efforts to crack down on the production, distribution and sale of counterfeit medicines across Pakistan. “These operations aim to ensure the availability of safe and effective medications to the public while holding those involved in illegal pharmaceutical activities accountable.”

According to experts, government control over prices of medicines is resulting in medicine shortages, which is being filled by counterfeiters. Spurious drugs, often containing ineffective or harmful ingredients, are flooding the black market, posing a significant danger to public health.