A major enforcement raid near Bengaluru has uncovered an illegal drug operation involving counterfeit and spurious medicines valued at over Rs 5 crore.
The Food Safety and Drug Administration’s enforcement wing conducted the operation at an unlicensed facility in Bidadi, located in the Ramanagara district southwest of Bengaluru. The unit was allegedly sourcing illicit drugs from various parts of India, repackaging them, and attaching fake labels of leading multinational pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Key Highlights of the Investigation:
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Substandard Distribution: Counterfeit drugs were being supplied to hospitals at discounts up to 50% below standard market rates.
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Critical Care Risk: Officials highlighted that several seized products were targeted for distribution to hospital Intensive Care Units (ICUs).
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Pan-India Network: Karnataka Health Minister UT Khader indicated the operation points to a broader, nationwide network of counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
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Legal Action: The primary suspect has been remanded to police custody, with the Ramanagara Superintendent of Police leading the ongoing investigation into the network’s suppliers and buyers.
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Whistleblower Reward: The Health Department announced that the informant whose tip led to the successful raid will receive a financial reward.
