|
Gujarat FDCA exposes interstate distribution of counterfeit drugs using fake QR codes
|
|
Shardul Nautiyal, Mumbai
April 24 , 2025
|
|
|
In a major breakthrough in the fight against counterfeit pharmaceuticals, the Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) has exposed a first-of-its-kind clandestine operation involving the interstate distribution of counterfeit drugs using fake QR codes. The FDCA has officially written to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and alerted drug regulatory authorities in four states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and West Bengal, where the counterfeit drugs were allegedly circulated.
According to FDCA Commissioner Dr H G Koshia, the investigation has revealed a sophisticated nexus of wholesalers and distributors engaged in the illegal trade of fake medicines, camouflaged under seemingly legitimate QR codes on product packaging. The scale and method of the operation suggest the involvement of an organized cybercriminal network possessing advanced technical capabilities.
"We are probing whether these fake QR codes were generated through data theft, illegally obtained from manufacturing units, or manipulated by cybercriminals with high-level expertise," said Dr Koshia. He further disclosed that the department has seized four batches totalling 850 strips of a medicinal product from a reputed pharmaceutical company, currently under forensic examination.
This revelation comes in the wake of the Indian government’s directive issued in 2022, mandating the top 300 pharmaceutical brands to incorporate QR codes on their packaging by August 1, 2023. The initiative aimed to bolster traceability and ensure the authenticity of medicines in the Indian market. However, the Gujarat FDCA’s findings now raise serious concerns about the security of the QR code system and its vulnerability to tampering.
In response to the alarming developments, Gujarat FDCA has launched a comprehensive investigation, involving state-wide raids, sample seizures, and digital forensics to trace the origin and spread of the counterfeit drugs. The crackdown is expected to gain momentum in the coming weeks, with authorities pursuing leads that may extend beyond the four currently identified states.
Recognizing the urgent need for capacity building and vigilance, the FDCA has also initiated a statewide training programme targeting 150 key enforcement officers. This includes joint commissioners, assistant commissioners, senior drug inspectors, and drug inspectors. The training is focused on enhancing detection capabilities, cybercrime awareness, and regulatory response mechanisms to counter the growing threat of pharmaceutical fraud.
“The Gujarat FDCA is working closely with national and state-level drug control agencies, cybersecurity experts, and pharmaceutical companies to ensure consumer safety and uphold the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain. We are committed to unearthing the entire network and nabbing the offenders,” Dr Koshia affirmed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOPICS
|
That foods might provide therapeutic benefits is clearly not a new concept. ...
|
|
|
|
|