Delhi seizes counterfeit rabies vaccine, traces supply to Kanpur firm
New Delhi, Sep 22 (PTI) The Delhi Drugs Control (DDC) Department seized 481 units of counterfeit rabies vaccine from a firm in Bhagirath Palace and traced its supply to an agency in Kanpur, as authorities began probing the source and distribution chain, according to a statement.
The seized vaccine, Purified Vero Cell Rabies Vaccine (Abhayrab), was found during searches at three premises of the Bhagirath Palace firm, including its sale premises and godown, it said.
The original manufacturer, Human Biologicals Institute, Telangana, has confirmed that the batch was counterfeit and had not been released by the company, according to the DDC department.
The department collected 120 vials as legal samples and seized the remaining 361 units along with seven purchase invoices under different sections of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, it stated.
The samples have been sent to the Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli, for testing and analysis, it added.
During the investigation, the Delhi-based firm told the department officials that it had purchased the alleged spurious vaccine from an agency in Kanpur. The information was shared with the Uttar Pradesh State Drug Department, which subsequently conducted searches at two locations, including the Kanpur agency.
The raids established that the Kanpur agency had supplied the counterfeit vaccine to the Delhi firm, it said.
The seized stock has been taken into the custody of the Delhi Drugs Control Department, which is now tracing the source and distribution network of the vaccine and examining further action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, according to the statement.
Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said strict action would be taken against those involved in supplying spurious medicines, including suppliers operating outside Delhi.
"Rabies is a serious, often fatal disease, and no compromise on vaccine quality is acceptable," he said.
The department said the seized vaccine was valued at approximately Rs 2 lakh.
