Law enforcement authorities in Dushanbe have shut down an underground operation that allegedly produced counterfeit pharmaceutical products, including medicines intended for children.
According to the Dushanbe police department, the seized products included syrups sold under well-known brands including Nurofen, Paracetamol, Lazolvan, Theraflu, and others. Authorities said the products were manufactured in unsanitary conditions and distributed with falsified branding.
During searches, police confiscated around 35,900 bottles of syrup, more than 405,000 packages and labels, over 600 kilograms of raw materials, and equipment allegedly used in the production process.
A 42-year-old Dushanbe resident, Otabek Dadachonov, has been detained on suspicion of organizing the illegal operation. The Interior Ministry said he had previously been convicted of several economic crimes. Several alleged accomplices were also detained and are accused of helping produce packaging and distribute the counterfeit medicines.
Investigators said the group operated through officially registered companies but did not have the licenses required to carry out pharmaceutical activity.
Dushanbe police warned that the distribution of such counterfeit medicines could pose a serious threat to public health, especially for children.
A criminal case has been opened under several articles of Tajikistan’s Criminal Code. The investigation is ongoing.
