Authorities seize fake medicines worth ₹5 crore across six states

A coordinated operation spearheaded by Karnataka's Special Investigation Team resulted in the seizure of counterfeit medicines valued at approximately ₹5 crore. The raids spanned Karnataka, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Telangana, covering ten distinct locations identified as part of a sophisticated fake‑drug syndicate.

The operation involved between 80 and 100 personnel from the SIT and the Drugs Control Department. Targets included corporate offices, storage units and informal repackaging sites believed to be fabricating or relabeling medicines without proper licenses.

In Bangalore, officials inspected a pharmaceutical firm's premises near Minerva Circle, Lalbagh, to trace the flow of the suspect drugs. Early investigations indicate that low‑price, substandard, or expired medicines were procured from various regions, rebranded with counterfeit multinational labels, and sold at significantly higher prices.

Evidence also points to an international supply chain element, with fake labeling materials possibly being imported from overseas sources.

The current sweeps build upon an earlier discovery in August 2026 when the Food Safety and Drug Administration, together with local police, uncovered a large cache of fake drugs near Bidadi Toll Gate, seizing goods worth around ₹5 crore. That raid revealed an illegal repackaging operation run from a farm house in Kurubara Kerenahalli.

Health Minister U.T. Khadar has labeled the case a major drug mafia operation and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the inter‑state network, emphasizing the need to dismantle every link from manufacturing to distribution.