Major Drug Bust in Gurgaon: Counterfeit Mounjaro Injections Worth Rs 70 Lakh Seized
In a significant crackdown on pharmaceutical fraud, the drugs control department in Gurgaon has arrested two individuals and confiscated a large consignment of counterfeit Mounjaro KwikPen (tirzepatide) injections valued at more than Rs 70 lakh. The operation was initiated based on specific intelligence regarding the illegal stocking and sale of this medication.
Joint Raid Leads to Interception and Arrests
Acting swiftly on the received inputs, a coordinated team comprising drug inspectors and local police intercepted a Swift Dzire vehicle near Super Mart-1 at approximately 7:25 PM. Inside the car, officials discovered injections with varying strengths ranging from 2.5 mg to 15 mg. The stock was meticulously packed in cartons and transported using ice boxes to maintain a semblance of proper handling.
The driver of the vehicle informed authorities that he was operating as a cab booked for a drop-off in Gurgaon. A passenger in the car, identified as Mujammil Khan, was detained for questioning. During interrogation, Khan revealed that the consignment belonged to Avi Sharma, a resident of Sohna. Sharma was subsequently summoned to the location for further investigation.
Critical Discrepancies and Legal Violations Uncovered
The spot memo prepared by officials highlighted several serious violations. Avi Sharma failed to produce any valid license for stocking, selling, or distributing the drug, which is a mandatory requirement under pharmaceutical regulations. Additionally, the recovered injections were not stored at the prescribed temperature of 2°C to 8°C, compromising their safety and efficacy.
During a thorough physical verification, inspectors identified glaring discrepancies in the product labeling. The memo explicitly noted that "the font size of the original product and the recovered product was a mismatch" and pointed out variations in other labeling details. These inconsistencies led authorities to classify the product as "spurious and not manufactured by the legitimate manufacturer."
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigation
In response to these findings, the authorities invoked stringent provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. This includes Section 17B, which pertains to spurious drugs, along with penal sections 27(a) and 27(c). Both Mujammil Khan and Avi Sharma were arrested on the spot for their involvement in this illicit trade.
District Drug Controller Amandeep Chauhan provided insights into the ongoing investigation. "We are currently examining the packaging, quality, and authenticity of the seized injections. It is crucial to verify whether these products were sourced from a licensed company or supplied through illegal channels," he stated. Preliminary estimates suggest that a single injection from this batch could cost around ₹28,000, highlighting the significant financial stakes involved.
Public Safety Measures and Supply Chain Probe
To safeguard public health, officials have recommended an immediate halt on the sale of these batches until comprehensive verification is completed. The investigation is actively tracing the source and distribution network of the seized stock. Initial leads indicate that the consignment may have been routed through Delhi's Bhagirath Palace market, while billing records point to an address in Gurgaon.
"We are meticulously tracing the entire supply chain to uncover all links. Once the source and connections are firmly established, decisive action will be taken against everyone involved in this illegal operation," emphasized an official involved in the case. The authorities remain committed to ensuring that such spurious drugs do not reach consumers, thereby protecting public health and upholding regulatory standards.
