Secret Oxytocin Lab Found in Lucknow, Two Held
The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has busted an oxytocin smuggling racket, arresting two key members of an inter-state network allegedly involved in the illegal production and sale of oxytocin injections. Acting on specific intelligence, officers raided a residence in Vijayant Khand-1, Gomtinagar, and uncovered a large consignment of banned injections and raw materials worth nearly ₹1 crore.
Massive Seizure of Banned Oxytocin Injections
During the raid, officials recovered 1,018 bottles (180 ml each) of oxytocin injections, 70 litres of raw oxytocin, 55 litres of phenyl, 27 litres of vinegar, and 16,500 empty bottles used for packaging. The STF also found sealing machines, aluminum and rubber caps, 19 kg of salt, a PhonePe scanner, three mobile phones, and ₹790 in cash.
The two arrested men were identified as Qayyum Ali, a resident of Triveninagar originally from Baghpat, and Mohammad Ibrahim from Madeyganj, Lucknow. The operation was led by Deputy SP Deepak Kumar Singh, assisted by Inspector Harish Singh Chauhan and STF constables Vinod Yadav, Pawan, Sunil Yadav, Devendra, and Suraj.
How the Oxytocin Smuggling Network Operated
Investigations revealed that the accused were part of an organized oxytocin smuggling racket sourcing the banned drug and packaging materials from Bihar and Ghaziabad. They reportedly repackaged the hormone into smaller bottles and distributed it to local dairy suppliers and livestock handlers across nearby districts.
Despite being banned for animal use, oxytocin is often misused in dairy farming to stimulate milk letdown or speed up calving, posing serious health hazards to both animals and humans who consume contaminated milk.
Deputy SP Deepak Kumar explained that the gang’s activities violated the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Gazette Notification No. 242(E), issued on April 3, 2001, which allows oxytocin sales only in single-unit blister packs under strict prescription norms.
Health and Safety Concerns Over Illicit Oxytocin
Medical experts caution that illicit oxytocin can cause severe hormonal imbalance, uterine rupture, and cardiovascular issues in animals, and long-term exposure may have adverse effects on human health through the food chain.
Authorities have sent samples of the seized injections to a laboratory for chemical analysis to check for possible adulteration or contamination.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Warning
The STF stated that intelligence gathering is ongoing to identify other suppliers and distributors connected to this oxytocin smuggling racket. Law enforcement agencies have also warned dairy businesses and veterinary suppliers against buying or using oxytocin without a valid prescription.
Officials reiterated that only licensed pharmaceutical companies are authorized to produce oxytocin under strict regulatory supervision, and any unauthorized sale or distribution is a punishable offence.
Conclusion
The recent oxytocin smuggling racket exposed in Lucknow highlights the growing challenge of illegal drug distribution in India’s livestock sector. Authorities urge the public to remain alert and report suspicious medical or veterinary products to ensure both animal welfare and public health safety.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 10 November 2025
- 09:00
