Dark Store Finds ₹45 Lakh Worth of Suspicious Medicines in Hosakote Raid

During a surprise inspection at a suspected dark‑store in Hosakote, Karnataka officials recovered medicines amounting to about ₹45 lakh. Early forensic analysis indicates that several of the batches may have been subjected to a second round of labeling to disguise their expired status.

The seized stock includes a mix of over‑the‑counter drugs and nutraceuticals that, if sold, could pose serious health risks. Authorities have placed the items under forensic custody and launched a detailed probe to trace the origin of the products and the individuals responsible for the relabeling scheme.

Minister Khadar reiterated the importance of consumers using QR‑code and barcode verification tools before purchase. He also urged community volunteers and social activists to educate the public on how to spot counterfeit or expired goods.

The incident forms part of a larger pattern of illicit activities uncovered by the joint food‑safety and drug‑safety task forces, which have now seized assets totalling close to ₹1 crore in expired items across the state.