FIA busts fake medicine racket, arrests two suspects

Large chemical manufacturing warehouse unearthed in Kot Radha Kishan

LAHORE:

FIA Lahore has apprehended two individuals involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit medications, seizing substantial quantities of anti-cancer, herbal, veterinary, and other drugs from their possession.

The crackdown, initiated on the instructions of Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, is part of a broader effort to combat the proliferation of fake medicines.

Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir and Lahore FIA Director Sarfraz Khan Virk disclosed these details during a joint press conference. They revealed that a task force comprising FIA and Health Department teams had dismantled a significant network dealing in fake anti-cancer and herbal medications.

Led by Deputy Director Mian Muhammad Sabir, the operation resulted in the arrest of Tashfeen Ahmed and Akbar Khan, who were involved in the illicit sale of anti-cancer and life-saving drugs. The accused conducted transactions in cash or through bank accounts, engaging in this illegal trade for over a year.

Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir emphasised the ongoing collaboration with FIA to crackdown on counterfeit medication producers across Punjab.

He vowed strict action against those manufacturing unauthorized allopathic medicines, especially those masquerading as herbal medicine manufacturers.

It was noted that medicines lacking Form 7 authoridation from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) are deemed illegal.

Additionally, FIA uncovered a large chemical manufacturing warehouse in Kot Radha Kishan, where significant supplies used in medicine production were seized.

Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir affirmed continued operations in partnership with FIA, framing the fight against counterfeit medicines as a form of jihad.

A hotline will soon be established to facilitate citizen reporting of fake medicines, ensuring informant anonymity.

In parallel, efforts are underway to combat electricity theft, with proposals to reward individuals who report such illegal activity.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2024.