KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Anti-Corruption Circle has busted a major illegal manufacturing unit involved in producing counterfeit and unregistered medicines, specifically targeting cancer patients.
The Raid and Recovery
Acting on a tip-off, the FIA conducted a targeted operation in Ahsanabad, a suburban area of Karachi. During the raid, officials seized a massive consignment of counterfeit painkillers prescribed for cancer patients. Along with the finished products, a huge quantity of raw materials and heavy machinery—valued at millions of rupees—were confiscated.
Life-Threatening Dosages
Investigations revealed a dangerous discrepancy in the medicine’s potency. While the approved medical dosage for the drug is a maximum of 50mg, this factory was manufacturing tablets with a lethal dose of 225mg. Medical experts warn that such high dosages are extremely hazardous and can be fatal for patients already battling terminal illnesses.
International Smuggling Link
Sources within the FIA disclosed that these counterfeit drugs were not only being distributed within Pakistan but were also being smuggled to other countries through illegal channels. During the operation, the FIA successfully intercepted a consignment that was ready to be shipped to the local market.
Arrests and Legal Action
Several individuals were arrested during the raid, and the FIA is conducting further investigations to track down the primary distributors and facilitators. More arrests are expected in the coming days as the crackdown on the “medicine mafia” intensifies.
