Fake Telma AM tablets worth Rs 8.94 lakh seized in Maharashtra's Dombivali; two arrested

The FDA conducted a raid on January 20 and seized 2,795 strips of the fake tablets. PIC VIA AISHWARYA IYER

A gang allegedly involved in selling counterfeit blood pressure medication branded as Telma AM has been busted following a raid by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with two men arrested and medicines worth Rs 8.94 lakh seized.

According to police, the accused Pankaj Radheshyam Upadhyay (33), a distributor and medical representative residing in Dombivali East, was allegedly selling fake Telma AM tablets (Telmisartan 40 mg and Amlodipine 5 mg tablets IP) under the license name "Shriram Pharma," falsely presenting them as products of the original manufacturer.

"Upadhyay was aware that the medicines were counterfeit and potentially harmful, and that their consumption could pose a serious threat to human health, especially for patients suffering from hypertension," an official said.

Acting on specific information, the FDA conducted a raid on January 20 and seized 2,795 strips of the fake tablets, collectively valued at Rs 8,94,400. Following the seizure, a case was registered at the Manpada Police Station.

Upadhyay was arrested on January 21.

During the course of the investigation, police found that the counterfeit stock had allegedly been supplied to him by Bivek Ajaykumar Rai (35), a resident of Kandivali East.

Rai was traced and arrested on February 16.

Police said further investigation is underway to trace the source of manufacturing and to ascertain whether the fake medicines were circulated in other parts of the state.