The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has booked an Indian subsidiary of the Chinese company, for violating the provisions of Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisement) Act 1954. FDA officials raided the premises of Tianjin Tianshi India Pvt. Ltd., a Chinese firm, marketing and distributing its products in India.

Following the information received from the sources, the directives were given to the FDA officials by Ramesh Kumar, commissioner, Maharashtra FDA, to keep a watch on the activities of the firm. On investigation it was found that the claims on the literature of the products marketed by the firm violate the provisions of above mentioned act. The stock worth Rs. 22 lakh has been seized.

"On basis of the information received, our officers raided the premises of the Chinese firm on January 3. The activities of the firm were closely watched for a few days and it was confirmed that the firm is marketing and distributing various products like blood circulatory massager machine, hypotension apparatus, chitosan weight management system, double cellulose dietary fiber suppliment, beneficial supplements, calcium and zinc supplements, spirulina capsule, internal cleanser, etc. The pamphlets, brochures and leaflets supplied along with the products had objectionable claims such as, they help regulate blood sugar, blood pressure, help protect against cancer, asthma, etc," said the senior FDA official.

"During the raid, we were obstructed by regional and finance manager of the firm. Therefore, the FIR was lodged with Bandra-Kurla Complex police station, Bandra, for taking action against the firm for obstructing public servants from performing their duties and also for violating provisions of Drugs and Magic Remedies Act 1954. The police, accordingly, seized the incriminating articles and printed materials worth approximately Rs. 22 lakh," he added.

The police arrested Zhou Jian Jun (Joe), regional manager and Xueseng Zhang, finance manager of the firm. Further investigation is being carried out by the police in co-ordination with officers of FDA. The investigation is being carried on under the directives of FDA commissioner and under the supervision of Ritesh Kumar, joint commissioner; Om Prakash Sadhwani, assistant commissioner; Intelligence Bureau and other FDA officials.