Fake drugs busted in countrywide action by DRAP

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) on Thursday seized multiple batches of counterfeit medicines during a nationwide crackdown.

According to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), the confiscated medicines included treatments for fever, body pain, bacterial infections, ulcers, and anxiety disorders. Raids were conducted by Provincial Drug Control Departments, during which 10 counterfeit products were recovered from different markets. The seized medicines also included antibiotics, nasal sprays, anti-allergy tablets, gastrointestinal drugs, and diuretics. DRAP, acting on requests from provincial health departments, has issued rapid alerts to healthcare providers and the public, warning them about the risks of these fake drugs.

Drug testing laboratories later confirmed that the samples were counterfeit, noting that the formulations lacked genuine raw materials and had no proven medical effect. Officials said that consuming these products could pose severe health risks and even prove life-threatening. DRAP stated that the counterfeit drugs were being illegally manufactured and sold under the names of well-known national and multinational brands. Labels carried fake company addresses from Karachi and Kasur to deceive buyers.

Authorities have urged citizens to stay alert and immediately report any suspicious or fake medicines in the market. Provincial drug control directorates and regulatory forces have been directed to tighten surveillance and enforcement efforts to protect public health. Officials emphasized that the campaign against counterfeit drugs will continue across the country until such products are completely removed from the market. They added that the crackdown shows the government’s strong commitment to ensuring safe and authentic medicines for patients in Pakistan. The public has been advised to purchase medicines only from trusted pharmacies and verified sources to avoid health complications.