The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a slew of raids across Maharashtra between June 26 and July 9. A total of 384 establishments were inspected, the official stated in a release.
FDA conducted a surprise inspection on the premises of agents, wholesalers, retailers, and hospitals to probe their possible involvement in the racket.
The investigation revealed that some retailers were illegally obtaining abortion drugs (MTP Kit) and some were selling at inflated rates.
According to reports, the FDA has registered 14 cases and arrested 11 persons for the suspected illegal sale of medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) kits.
Considering the possibility of misuse of medical termination of pregnancy kits (MTP kit), the FDA had scanned agents, wholesalers and retailers who deal in abortion drugs and hospitals, D R Gahane, joint commissioner of the FDA said.
It also came to light that some chemists were involved in selling abortion kits at exorbitant prices, procuring them without bills and storing them at unlicensed premises.
The cases have been registered in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Nashik and Amravati. Moreover, drugs worth INR 47,378 have been seized, the official said, adding that the local police are probing the cases.
A show-cause notice has been issued to 42 retailers and wholesaler chemists who were found committing serious violations during investigations and the administration are taking further action.
Besides, FDA has also appealed to the public not to buy and use abortion kits without consulting a doctor as it could lead to serious health consequences.