In an another case of seizer of substandard drugs in Andhra Pradesh, the state drug control authorities (APDCA) have recently seized Cofcin (Chlorpheniramine Oral Solution BP) Syrup worth Rs.6.5 lakhs from Gaba Pharmaceuticals Private Limited in Hyderabad.

Over the past few days, the APDCA has been actively working in pinning down the defaulting pharmaceutical units in the state. As part of its series of investigations the state DCA has been successful in digging out the fraudulent activities of the defaulting drug manufactures in the state.

“Upon inspecting the premises of Gaba Pharmaceuticals private Limited we have found not-of-standard drugs worth Rs.6.5 lakhs. We have stopped the consignment consisting of 14,384 bottles containing (450 milliliters in each bottle) Cofcin syrup (chlorpheniramine Oral Solution BP) with batch numbers 549, 567 to 576. If not booked, these drugs were supposed to be distributed to Andhra Pradesh medical services and infrastructure corporation (APMSIDC). And part of the consignment was also meant for marketing to other clients,” said RP Thakur, DG, APDCA, who has been playing an active role in bringing to book the defaulting drug manufacturers in the state.

Earlier the DCA office had cancelled the company’s license for Gaplex B-Complex syrup in June 2012 for manufacturing not of standard quality drugs in the state. Government analysts from Maharashtra and Central Drugs Laboratory from Kolkata have also confirmed the same and declared the drugs, Gaplex B-Complex Syrup, with batch number-08, Salbutamol Syrup (For Asthma) with batch number-158 and Grovit (Multivitamin Drops) with batch number-75, as not of standard drugs manufactured by the company.

“We had been keenly observing the company’s activities. We have found the company was a frequent defaulter of manufacturing standards and it was producing substandard drugs. Taking this into account we had kept the entire manufacturing unit under ‘Stop Production orders since 25th June 2012 and the same is in force as on today,” said the DG.

According to sources from DCA, it is believed that the company was flouting the norms frequently and manufacturing substandard drugs. In view of this, the DCA officials had kept a serious vigil on the company’s activities and conducted thorough inspection and found that the company was resorting to grave non compliance of provisions and manufacturing rules while producing the medicines.

The DCA authorities are further investigating the issue and very soon the authorities are expected to take appropriate action against the defaulters.