Denying the reports that the customs authorities have released the confiscated consignments of fake drugs for re-exporting, the health ministry has said it had recommended a CBI probe into the recent seizure of unregistered bulk drugs originating from China. The ministry has also sought the assistance of External Affairs Ministry to strengthen the intelligence abroad in tracing fake drugs destined to India.

"The consignments of bulk drugs seized at Chennai sea port by the CDSCO officials were not permitted to be released and the customs authorities were requested for absolute confiscation and prosecution in these cases," an official from the health ministry said. The official also added that the ministry has sought an inquiry by the CBI into the cases, because of `the severity and magnitude of the issue. The bulk drugs were imported from unregistered sources originating from China.

However, there were reports that a few similar consignments seized by customs on the request by the CDSCO officials in Mumbai port were released for re-export by the authorities. The health official said it would look into the case, if such case had been taken place as the centre wanted to act tough with the import of fake drugs.

"A meeting with the representatives of directorate of revenue intelligence, commissioner of customs and port officers has been held to deliberate on modalities for absolute confiscation and prosecutions in cases of import of spurious drugs," he said.

The ministry is also pushing the idea of holding an inter-ministerial meeting involving the ministers of Chemicals, Commerce and External Affairs on the issue of import of spurious drugs and especially the recent seizure of spurious drugs by Nigeria with labels 'made in India' but in fact originated from China.

Though the health ministry could not go for assistance from Interpol to trace the spurious drugs coming into the country through imports, the ministry has sought the cooperation from the External Affairs Ministry which has presence across the world in strengthening the intelligence abroad in this regard, sources said.