DCA busts pharmaceutical label-tampering racket, seizes stock worth Rs 70.56 lakh

Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has busted a pharmaceutical label-tampering racket in Alwal and seized pharmaceutical excipients worth Rs 70.56 lakh.

Acting on credible intelligence, DCA officials conducted a raid on June 12 at DK Pharmaceuticals in Mangapuram Colony, Old Alwal, in Medchal-Malkajgiri district.

Officials launched the operation after receiving information about the illegal sale of pharmaceutical excipients through altered labels and fabricated manufacturing details.

During the raid, DCA teams found 12 cardboard drums containing Hydroxypropyl Betadex USP/NF.

Each drum contained 20 kg of material.

The total quantity seized was 240 kg.

Pharmaceutical label-tampering racket used fictitious manufacturing details

Officials found labels displaying Batch No. RHPB/2026/05/002, manufacturing date May 2026 and expiry date April 2029.

The labels identified DK Pharmaceuticals as the manufacturer.

They also mentioned a manufacturing address at Pashamylaram in Sangareddy district.

Further investigation revealed that partners Sateesh Babu Dhulapalli and Nagaswami Katragadda had allegedly removed the original labels.

Officials alleged that they affixed fabricated labels carrying fictitious manufacturing details.

According to the DCA, the activity amounted to unauthorised and illegal handling of pharmaceutical excipients.

Consequently, officials seized the entire stock during the raid.

The seized material has an estimated value of Rs 70.56 lakh.

The DCA has launched further investigation into the case.