Lucknow: The UP government has launched a sweeping operation against the counterfeit drug trade across Uttar Pradesh, resulting in the seizure of fake medicines worth ₹30.77 crore and the arrest of 68 accused.
As per official records, the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department conducted 1,039 raids and inspected 10,462 retail outlets. A total of 13,848 samples were collected, of which 96 were found to be fake and 497 substandard.
The crackdown also led to the cancellation of licenses of 1,166 drug dealers, six manufacturing units, and five blood banks. Notably, key recoveries include oxytocin, narcotic drugs, and counterfeit cosmetics from Lucknow, Agra, Ghaziabad, and Bareilly.
While the Chief Minister has directed these intensified efforts, critics argue that these actions, though overdue, appear more focused on optics than sustained reform. The involvement of the STF in Lucknow operations and the seizure of fake drugs worth `1.36 crore in Agra and `0.9 crore in Ghaziabad suggest deep-rooted networks that evaded scrutiny until now.
Fourteen samples disguising allopathic drugs as Ayurvedic are still under investigation. The administration promises continued action, though the timing and selective targeting of cities raise questions about consistency and long-term intent.
The government has declared its aim to make Uttar Pradesh “drug-free,” but sustained oversight, not symbolic raids, will determine if that goal is met.
