Counterfeit Blood Pressure Drug Racket Traced to a Factory in Uttarakhand
An investigation into fake Telma-AM blood pressure pills sold at Gurugram chemists has traced the supply chain across four states to a factory in Uttarakhand, with manufacturer Glenmark confirming the seized batches were counterfeit.
Current Summary
An investigation into counterfeit strips of Telma-AM, a commonly prescribed hypertension drug, has uncovered an alleged interstate racket with a supply chain traced from Gurugram pharmacies to a factory in Uttarakhand, according to a Gurugram court order in a connected bail matter. The probe began on July 16 after a Glenmark brand protection associate alerted Haryana drug control officials that spurious versions of the drug were circulating. A joint Food and Drugs Administration team inspected two retail stores in Gurugram's Sector 52 — SDL Pharmacy and DS Pharmacy — and purchase records led investigators to wholesale distributor Lucky Pharma Logistic Private Limited in Udyog Vihar Phase VI, where 178 strips (2,670 tablets) of the counterfeit drug were seized. A representative at the warehouse produced purchase bills from another Gurugram-based supplier, and the trail has since extended across four states, including Bihar and Uttarakhand. Glenmark confirmed in writing to authorities that the seized batches were counterfeit and carried forged packaging.
What We Know
- Investigation began July 16 after a Glenmark brand protection associate alerted Haryana drug control officials to spurious Telma-AM strips in the market
- FDA team inspected SDL Pharmacy and DS Pharmacy in Gurugram's Sector 52
- Purchase records led to wholesale distributor Lucky Pharma Logistic Private Limited in Udyog Vihar Phase VI
- 178 strips (2,670 tablets) of counterfeit Telma-AM were seized at the warehouse
- The supply chain has been traced across four states, including to a factory in Uttarakhand
- Glenmark confirmed in writing that the seized batches were counterfeit with forged packaging
- The counterfeit drug supply chain has been traced across four states, including Bihar, in addition to the Uttarakhand manufacturing facility.
What Is Still Unclear
- The exact district or location of the factory in Uttarakhand
- Whether any arrests or enforcement action has taken place in Uttarakhand
- The scale of production and distribution originating from the Uttarakhand factory
What Changed
- 28 Oct, 02:50 amA Gurugram court order in the case states the counterfeit drug supply chain traced from local pharmacies has extended across four states, including Bihar and Uttarakhand, with a manufacturing facility identified in Uttarakhand.
- 27 Oct, 05:41 amSignal detected: Counterfeit Blood Pressure Drug Racket Traced to a Factory in Uttarakhand