Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Commissioner’s Task Force on Tuesday busted an alleged expired medicines racket in Khairatabad and arrested two people for allegedly stocking and selling expired medicines and nutritional products.
Acting on specific information, the Khairatabad Zone Task Force raided Al Zamzam Chemist and Druggist and Al Shifa Medical and General Store at MS Maqtha. Police alleged that Mohd Azharuddin operated both establishments.
Expired medicines racket exposed in Khairatabad
During the raid, officials seized 3,187 expired medicines and related products. The seizure included tablets, syrups, injections, ointments, protein supplements, energy powders and digestive aids. The medicines were valued at ₹88,277.
In addition, police seized a mobile phone worth ₹10,000. Consequently, the total value of the seized property reached ₹98,277.
Police alleged that someone had removed or cut the manufacturing and expiry details from several medicine strips before selling them. According to investigators, the accused sold the products for illegal financial gain, posing a serious risk to public health.
Expired medicines racket handed to Drug Inspector
Police identified the arrested accused as Mohd Azharuddin, 41, the owner of both medical stores, and Syed Sohail, 20, an employee.
Further, police handed over the accused and the seized material to the Drug Inspector, Khairatabad Zone, for action under the relevant provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Meanwhile, police advised the public to check manufacturing and expiry dates before purchasing medicines. They also urged consumers to report the sale of expired or suspicious medicines to the authorities.