On receipt of confidential information about manufacture and sale of spurious cosmetics, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has detected a case of spurious cosmetics being manufactured by Mohamad Khaatib Shaikh and Mohamad Jarif Shaikh. They were manufacturing under famous brands such as L’orel, Lakme, Nivea, Elle 18 among others.

The products include Lakme Radiance Compact, L’Oreal Paris Banana Treatment Pack, Baby Lips Color (Lip Balm). It was found that the manufacturing of these products was being done by using exclusive machinery in a building at Crawford Market in South Mumbai. Samples were drawn for test and analysis of these cosmetics and huge stock of these cosmetics along with packing material and machinery was seized by the raiding team, worth Rs. 10 lakh.

After thorough interrogation of the accused it was revealed that raw material and packing material was procured from Pravin Dhillon, proprietor of Krishna Cosmetics, Bhuleshwar in Mumbai. It was further revealed that these spurious cosmetics manufactured were being sold through Pravin Dhillon the king pin. Investigations further led to Radhe Cosmetics also through which these cosmetics were being sold.

It was surprising that the setup had every needed sophisticated machinery for manufacture of these fast moving consumer products. Looking into the extent of volume of spurious cosmetics involved and the renowned brands being manipulated Dr Harshadeep Kamble, Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration directed Joint Commissioner Greater Mumbai Thomas and Assistant Commissioner Greater Mumbai Mhanwar to rush to the raided premises.

He was closely monitoring the case which continued till early morning of January 12, 2017. The raiding team comprised of Thomas, Joint Commissioner, Mhanwar, Mantri, Assistant Commissioners and Drugs Inspectors Raskar, Godase, Salgaonkar of FDA.

The godown of Pravin Dhillon at Bhuleshwar was raided and stock worth Rs. 2.39 crore was seized. Further the godown of Mahesh Lalji Warchand, Proprietor of Radhe Cosmetics at Bhoiwada, Bhuleshwar, Mumbai was also raided and stock worth Rs. 1.2 lakh was seized.

The brands found were L’oreal Paris Kajal Magique, Revlon true match, L’oreal Paris Lucent Magic powder, Olay powder compact, Revlon Touch and glow moisturizing powder, Colorkick Kajal, Elle 18 Jucy Lip Balm, L’oreal paris diamond Treatment pack, Lakme Kajal Black Eyeconic, Lakme Powder Compact Eyeconic, Lakme 9 to 5 Flawless Matte Complexion Compact, Lakme Absolute Precision Liquid Liner, Nivea Lip Care Star Fruits Strawberry, Fair & Lovely Blue Lens, ADS Compact Powder New Fashion, ADS Twin Cake 24 Hours, M N Menow Generation – II Liquid Foundation, etc. The stock worth Rs. 2.5 crore was seized by the drugs inspectors.

The accused created lot of hurdles and opposed the officers of Food and Drug Administration in carrying out the seizure. O S Sadhwani, Joint Commissioner (HQ) himself went to the spot and coordinated with Police.

Dr. Harshadeep Kamble, Commissioner said, “It is shocking that the reputed brands are so easily duplicated and if these contain any harmful ingredients, it may adversely affect the sensitive skin as well as delicate eyes of the consumers.”

He further informed that the accused will be booked for contravention of Sections 18(a) (ii), 18(c) which are punishable under section 27A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. FDA is also investigating with the companies of brand owners for the infringements of Trade Marks Act and Copyright Act. FIR has been filed against Mohamad Khaatib Shaikh, Pravin Dhillon, Mahesh Lalji Warchand and other concerned for this clandestine activity of cheating and affecting public health at large.