Mumbai: FDA Seizes Medicines Worth Rs 61.95 Lakh from Ghatkopar-Based Drug Firm

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a major crackdown on April 1 against a wholesale drug seller in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, for violating provisions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Rules of 1945. As part of the action, the FDA seized a stock of medicines worth approximately ₹61.95 lakh from the premises of M/s UrbanCare Life Sciences LLP.

According to FDA officials, the company had changed its business location two to three times but failed to apply for fresh drug licenses after each relocation, which is mandatory under the law. The matter came to light after the Intelligence Department of the FDA's Mumbai office received a tip-off.

Following the information, FDA Drug Inspectors Premdas Sakhare, Sandeep Datir, Rameshwar Doiphode, and Sheetal Deshmukh visited the premises and inspected the necessary documents. During the inspection, it was found that the firm had not obtained new licenses from the FDA after changing its business address, nor had it submitted applications for the same.

This was found to be a clear violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and its accompanying rules. Subsequently, FDA Inspector Premdas Makhare collected samples of various medicines for further testing and seized the entire stock valued at ₹61,95,871.

The action was taken under the guidance of FDA Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar, Joint Commissioner (Vigilance) Dr. Rahul Khade, and Joint Commissioner (Mumbai) Vijay Jadhav. The operation was also supported by Assistant Commissioner (Intelligence) V. R. Ravi and Assistant Commissioner (Greater Mumbai) D. M. Darandale, whose coordinated efforts ensured the success of the raid.

Further investigation into the matter is underway, and appropriate legal action will be initiated based on the test reports of the seized medicines.