Tashkent customs seize 21 tons of counterfeit medicines shipped from China
Customs authorities have prevented the import of more than 21 tons of counterfeit medicines into Uzbekistan after uncovering a shipment falsely declared as an Indian-made pharmaceutical product. The seized cargo is estimated to be worth UZS 7.3 billion.
Tashkent customs officials have intercepted a 21-ton consignment of fake medication originating from China.
The illicit pharmaceuticals were uncovered by officers at the Tashkent-Aero Specialized Customs Complex during a routine inspection of goods that had arrived from China.
While the customs declaration stated the medicine, branded as Efba, was produced in India, inspectors noted that the packaging and labeling lacked any details regarding its country of origin or manufacturer. This discrepancy immediately triggered concerns about the product's legitimacy.
To legally bring the medicine into Uzbekistan, the recipient was obligated to secure a certificate of conformity from the Ministry of Health's Center for Pharmaceutical Product Safety. Customs authorities revealed that the importers had initially submitted a sample of authentic, Indian-manufactured Efba to acquire this certificate, subsequently attempting to leverage the same approval for the counterfeit shipment.
Efba is an intravenous solution containing levofloxacin, an antibiotic belonging to the fluoroquinolone family. Authorities cautioned that imitation versions of this drug could present significant health hazards to individuals.
A criminal investigation has been initiated concerning the attempted importation of this unlawful shipment.