Hyderabad Police Dismantle Expired Medicines Trafficking Operation, Two Held

Law enforcement officials in Hyderabad have cracked down on an operation trafficking in expired pharmaceutical products, resulting in two arrests and the seizure of a large cache of substandard medicines.

The Khairatabad Zone Task Force, operating under the Hyderabad Commissioner's Task Force, conducted raids on two retail outlets on MS Maqtha on Tuesday—Al Zamzam Chemist and Druggist, and Al Shifa Medical and General Store. Both establishments were allegedly run by the same individual.

During the enforcement action, authorities confiscated 3,187 expired medicines and related products, encompassing tablets, syrups, injections, ointments, protein supplements, energy powders, and digestive formulations. The total value of the pharmaceutical items seized reached ₹88,277. Officials also recovered a mobile phone valued at ₹10,000, bringing the combined seizure value to ₹98,277.

Investigators allege that the accused had systematically altered or removed manufacturing and expiry date markings from medication packaging prior to distribution. According to police, this deceptive practice was undertaken for profit while creating substantial health hazards for unsuspecting consumers.

The two individuals arrested have been identified as Mohd Azharuddin, 41, who operated both medical stores, and Syed Sohail, 20, employed at the establishments. Both have been handed over to the Drug Inspector of the Khairatabad Zone for proceedings under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Public health authorities have issued guidance recommending that consumers verify manufacturing and expiry dates on all medicines before purchase. Residents are also encouraged to report instances of expired or questionable pharmaceutical products being sold to relevant government agencies.