DCA Telangana raids & seizes illegally manufactured cough syrups in Hyderabad

The Central government tightened drug manufacturing standards after Indian-made cough syrups were linked to 66 child deaths in Gambia in 2022. Despite this, illegal syrup production persists. A recent raid in Hyderabad uncovered unauthorized 100 ml cough syrup bottles.

Akhil Life Sciences, located in Kukatpally, was found manufacturing 'Glycoril cough syrup'—containing terbutaline sulfate, ambroxol HCI, guaifenesin, and menthol—without a valid license. The Drug Control Administration (DCA) Telangana seized 635 bottles and labels worth ₹65,000. The company violated Good Manufacturing Practices and Indian Pharmacopoeia standards.

The DCA is investigating and will pursue legal action against the company’s proprietor, C Bhaskar Reddy. Unauthorized manufacturing poses significant health risks and legal consequences, including up to five years imprisonment under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Recent enforcement also revealed other illegal pharmaceutical activities in Telangana.