Fake Medicine Repacking Network Busted in Bengaluru South, Goods Worth Rs 5 Crore Seized
Authorities have uncovered an alleged fake medicine repacking operation in Bengaluru South, where low cost drugs were reportedly relabeled and sold at much higher prices.
A large alleged fake medicine repacking operation has been uncovered in Bengaluru South district, with authorities seizing medicines, packaging material and other items estimated to be worth around Rs 5 crore.
The operation was reportedly being run from a farmhouse without the required licence or regulatory approval. More than 30 officials from the Food Safety and Drugs Administration department took part in the joint operation.
How the alleged operation worked
According to preliminary information, a person identified as Prashanth had reportedly leased the farmhouse from local residents and allegedly used the premises for the operation for about a year.
Investigators suspect that medicines sourced from Telangana and Himachal Pradesh were brought to the location and repackaged using labels associated with several multinational pharmaceutical companies.
The alleged price difference has raised particular concern. Authorities reportedly found that medicines originally worth around Rs 600 were being repackaged and presented with labels showing prices of up to Rs 6,000.
Large quantity of material seized
During the raid, officials reportedly recovered medicines suspected to be counterfeit, along with labels, expired medicines and empty bottles. The total value of the seized material has been estimated at about Rs 5 crore.
The recovery of expired medicines and packaging material has added another layer to the investigation, as officials work to determine the scale of the alleged distribution network and where the products may have been sold.
Investigation continues
The operation was carried out jointly by officials from the relevant food safety and drug administration authorities. Further investigation is underway to establish the source of the medicines, identify other people who may have been involved and determine the extent of the alleged supply chain.
Ramanagara Superintendent of Police Srinivas Gowda said the investigation is continuing following the seizure.
The case highlights the risks associated with medicines being sold outside authorised pharmaceutical channels. Authorities are expected to examine the seized material and records as part of the next stage of the investigation.
