Uttar Pradesh Govt Crackdown On Fake Drugs: ₹30.77 Crore Worth Counterfeit Medicines Seized, 68 Arrested Across Multiple Cities

Uttar Pradesh Govt Crackdown On Fake Drugs: ₹30.77 Crore Worth Counterfeit Medicines Seized, 68 Arrested Across Multiple Cities

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.

UP State BureauUpdated: Friday, May 16, 2025, 04:53 AM IST
article-image
Seized counterfeit medicines worth ₹30.77 crore during statewide UP crackdown | Representational Photo

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.

RECENT STORIES

UP Courts Crack Down On Misuse Of SC/ST Act, Sentence False Accusers

UP Courts Crack Down On Misuse Of SC/ST Act, Sentence False Accusers

Uttar Pradesh To Get 7th Operational Expressway With Gorakhpur Link Launch

Uttar Pradesh To Get 7th Operational Expressway With Gorakhpur Link Launch

IndiGo To Launch Direct Flights From Hindon Airport To 8 Cities Starting July 20

IndiGo To Launch Direct Flights From Hindon Airport To 8 Cities Starting July 20

Air India To Suspend 6 International Routes, Reduce Frequency On 32 Others Due To Aircraft Shortage

Air India To Suspend 6 International Routes, Reduce Frequency On 32 Others Due To Aircraft Shortage

Punjab News: Ludhiana West Bypoll Sees 51.3% Voter Turnout, Polling Held Peacefully

Punjab News: Ludhiana West Bypoll Sees 51.3% Voter Turnout, Polling Held Peacefully