68 vials of fake black fungus drug seized from SUV in Kanpur, 2 arrested

Kanpur: Two persons were arrested late Thursday with 68 vials of fake black fungus drug — Liposomal Amphotericin B — supplied to Kanpur hospitals at an exorbitant price of Rs 11,000 each. The accused, Gyanesh Kumar Sharma and Prakash Mishra, residents of Naubasta area, were travelling in a black SUV with words ‘High Court' embossed on the registration plate, when they were stopped at Chunniganj locality and arrested on a tip-off. Besides, amphotericin injections, Rs 1.8lakh in cash and five mobile phones were seized. Earlier, the Kanpur police had tracked down a huge consignment of fake Remdesivir drug, which is key to treating Covid-19. Police confirmed to TOI late Thursday that NSA will be slapped on the accused.
“We are trying to ascertain how many fake Liposomal Amphotericin B injections have been sold. The accused have disclosed names of conduits, Pankaj Agarwal of Prayagraj, Madhuram Bajpai of Yashoda Nagar and Shubham Tiwari of Kidwai Nagar, who are peddling fake black fungus injections and making fast buck,” said Gwaltoli police outpost in charge Surendra Kumar. An FIR was lodged under five sections of IPC against the arrested duo.
A police team has swung into action to nab those from whom the duo purchased the fake vials. Raids have been launched in Prayagraj and cops are trying the smash the network dealing in fake black fungus drug, which is in high demand after a spurt in cases. Liposomal Amphotericin-B is used to treat mucormycosis or black fungus, which damages nasal track, eyes, sinuses and sometimes the brain.