Rs 2.5 crore worth spurious cosmetics seized by FDA

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized Rs 2.5 crore worth spurious cosmetics of brands like L'Oreal, Lakme and Nivea, during the raids conducted at a building in south Mumbai.
"On receipt of confidential information about manufacture and sale of spurious cosmetics, the FDA team raided the premises at Sarang street, Mumai last evening," FDA Commissioner Harshadeep Kamble said.
It was found that one Mohamad Khaatib Shaikh, and Mohamad Jarif Shaikh were manufacturing famous brands such as L'Oreal, Lakme, Nivea, Elle 18 etc, he said.
The products include Lakme Radiance Compact, L'Oreal Paris Banana Treatment Pack, Baby Lips Color (Lip Balm).

"It was found that the manufacturing of these products was being done by using exclusive machinery and had a compact setup on fourth floor of the building situated in Crawford Market," he said.
Samples were collected for test and analysis, and a huge stock of these cosmetics along with packing material and machinery was seized, he said.

A thorough interrogation of the accused revealed that raw material and packing material procured from Pravin Dhillon, proprietor of Krishna Cosmetics at Bhuleshwar in Mumbai, he said.
It was revealed that these spurious cosmetics manufactured were being sold through Dhillon, who was the kingpin, who managed the manufacturing and selling activity. The investigation led to Radhe Cosmetics, through which these cosmetics were being sold, Kamble said.

"The setup had every sophisticated machinery needed to manufacture these FMCG products," the IAS officer said.
Grilling of the accused led to two godowns stocked
with more brands of such cosmetics. The godown of Dhillon Bhuleshwar was raided and stock worth Rs 2.39 crore was seized, he said. "The godown of one Mahesh Lalji Warchand, proprietor of Radhe Cosmetics at Bhuleshwar was also raided and stock worth Rs 1.2 lakh was seized," he added.
Some of the brands found were L'Oreal, Paris Kajal Magique, Revlon true match, L'Oreal Paris, Lucent Magic powder, Olay powder compact, Revlon Touch and glow moisturising powder, Colorkick Kajal, Elle 18 Jucy Lip Balm, L'oreal Paris diamond Treatment pack, Lakme Powder Compact Eyeconic, Lakme 9 to 5 Flawless Matte Complexion Compact, he said.

"It is shocking that the reputed brands are so easily duplicated and if these contain any harmful ingredients, it may adversely affect the sensitive skin as well as delicate eyes of the consumers," Kamble said.
The accused will be booked for contravention of Sections 18(a) (ii), 18(c), which are punishable under section 27A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and also investigating with the companies of brand owners for the infringements of Trade Marks Act and Copyright Act, he said.
"FIR is being filed against Mohamad Khaatib Shaikh, Pravin Dhillon, Mahesh Lalji Warchand and others for this clandestine activity of cheating and affecting the health of public," Kamble said.