Illegal Pakistani cosmetics worth Rs 7 lakh seized in Hyderabad
The seized skin-whitening creams and soaps lacked import permits and are suspected to contain toxic heavy metals.
Hyderabad police and officials from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), the national drug regulatory body, seized unauthorized Pakistani cosmetics worth Rs 7 lakh during joint raids in Nampally, Habibnagar, and Santoshnagar.
The seized items include skin-whitening creams and soaps from brands such as Goree, Chandni, Faiz, Navia, and Golden Pearl. Officials stated that these products were smuggled into India without the required import registrations and approvals.
Police have detained five local traders identified as Mohammed Fazal, Mohammed Ayan, Mohammed Riyazuddin, Syed Abid Ali, and Syed Ismail. Preliminary investigations suggest the cosmetics reached Hyderabad from a Mumbai-based supplier without valid bills or invoices.
Authorities warned that the unauthorized cosmetics are on the banned list of the CDSCO and the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) as they may contain heavy metals exceeding permissible limits, posing toxic health risks to consumers.
Cases have been registered against the accused under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Police are now investigating the supply chain, financial transactions, and additional warehouse stocks.
