During 2007-08, as many as 39,117 drugs samples were

tested of which 2,429 were found to be of sub-standard quality. A total of 77 samples were found to be spurious during the year. The prosecution was launched in 120 cases and 122 persons were arrested, it said. While in 2008-09, 45,145 samples were tested by the CDSCO in which 2,597 samples were of inferior quality. As many as 157 of these samples were found to be adulterated. The Health Ministry has launched prosecution in 220 cases in which 133 persons were arrested during the period. "Stringent penalties for manufacture of spurious and adulterated drugs have now been provided to make it deterrent for the antisocial elements to indulge in manufacture of spurious drugs. Certain offenses have also been made cognisable and non-bailable," the Ministry said on measures being taken by the Government to check fake drugs. The states or Union Territories were requested to set up special courts for trial of offenses under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act for speedy disposal of cases. "The inspectorate staff has been instructed to keep vigil and draw samples of drugs for test and analysis to monitor the quality of drugs moving in the country," it said. According to a 2009 report of countrywide survey for spurious, 67 cases each were reported in 2003-04 and 2007-08, 144 in 2004-05, 145 in 2005-06 and 66 in 2006-07.