Karnataka Raids 10 Locations in Six States Over Fake Drugs Allegedly Meant for Hospital ICUs
Probe into suspected pharma fraud network expands across six states, with investigators examining alleged counterfeit medicines and international links
BENGALURU — The Karnataka Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating an alleged counterfeit pharmaceutical racket has conducted searches at 10 locations across six states as authorities widen their probe into a suspected interstate network involved in the sourcing, repackaging and distribution of fake medicines.
The raids were carried out Friday jointly by the SIT and the Drugs Control Department at locations in Karnataka, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Telangana. Between 80 and 100 officials and staff were involved in the searches, which targeted offices, properties and other premises linked to companies allegedly connected to the network.
In Bengaluru, investigators searched the premises of a pharmaceutical company near Minerva Circle and Lalbagh. Officials are examining medicines allegedly sourced from different locations and subsequently repackaged or distributed through the suspected network.
Investigators are also looking into possible international connections, including allegations that counterfeit labels used on the medicines were sourced from outside India.
The investigation began after authorities uncovered the alleged racket near Bidadi in Ramanagara district in August. The Food Safety and Drug Administration and local police seized counterfeit medicines estimated to be worth about Rs 5 crore and discovered an alleged unlicensed repackaging operation at a farmhouse in Kurubara Karenahalli, near the Bidadi toll gate.
According to investigators, low-cost, substandard or expired medicines were allegedly collected from different states and transferred into new vials. The medicines were then allegedly repackaged with counterfeit labels carrying the names of expensive multinational pharmaceutical brands before being sold at substantially higher prices.
The case has drawn particular concern because some of the allegedly counterfeit medicines were reportedly intended for use in hospital intensive care units.
Authorities said the drugs were allegedly supplied to private hospitals and pharmacies at prices nearly 50 per cent below prevailing market rates.
Karnataka Health Minister U.T. Khader had described the case as a major drug mafia operation and ordered an investigation into the suspected interstate network. The SIT was subsequently tasked with identifying the broader operation and tracing those involved in sourcing, repackaging, labeling and distributing the medicines.
The latest searches are aimed at establishing the scale of the alleged operation and identifying additional individuals and companies that may have been involved.
Investigators are examining the suspected supply chain, the origins of the medicines, manufacturing and repackaging facilities and the distribution network. They are also pursuing the alleged international links and attempting to determine the source of the counterfeit labels.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities expected to examine material and evidence gathered during Friday’s searches as they work to establish the full extent of the suspected pharmaceutical fraud network.
