Karnataka Spurious Drug Racket: Medicines Worth Rs 5 Crore Seized, Interstate Probe Sought

A suspected spurious drug racket involving medicines allegedly carrying labels of multinational pharmaceutical companies has been unearthed in Karnataka's Ramanagara district, with authorities seizing medicines valued at more than Rs 5 crore. Health Minister U.T. Khader said on Wednesday that the preliminary investigation indicates possible links to alleged fake drug manufacturing units in several other states. One person has been arrested in connection with the case.

The racket came to light after beat police personnel alerted authorities on Tuesday evening. Officials from the Drug Control Department and the Commissionerate of Food Safety and Drug Administration subsequently raided a farmhouse in Bidadi, where the suspected spurious medicines were allegedly stored and repacked before being supplied to medical outlets and hospitals. The premises was reportedly operating without a valid licence.

Khader said investigators suspect that medicines were procured at low prices and subsequently relabelled using the names and packaging of multinational pharmaceutical companies. He alleged that even medicines used in intensive care units may have been part of the racket. According to the minister, investigators are examining whether labels and stickers were produced locally or sourced from elsewhere, including the possibility that they may have been obtained from hospitals.

Also Read: SC Orders Karnataka To Comply With CWMA Direction On Cauvery Water Release

The minister identified the arrested person as Prabhudev and said he was being questioned to establish the suspected supply chain. Police are investigating alleged links to manufacturing or supply operations in Telangana, Himachal Pradesh and other parts of the country. Khader also identified Prashanth as a suspected main accused believed to be based in Dubai and Tejas as an alleged ground-level operator, while stressing the need to establish the roles of all individuals involved.

According to Khader, the suspected network may involve multiple stages, including procurement of medicines and raw materials, logistics, repackaging, distribution and supply to hospitals and medical shops. Investigators are examining which intermediaries were involved and whether hospitals or medical outlets received the suspected spurious medicines. Authorities are also expected to determine where the medicines originated, how they reached Karnataka and who facilitated their distribution.

Khader said the case should not be treated as a Karnataka-only matter because of the suspected interstate and international links. He said he had discussed the issue with the Union Health Ministry and Home Ministry and would also raise it with Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge. The minister is seeking a coordinated investigation involving state and Central agencies and has indicated that a Special Investigation Team may be considered. Authorities have so far seized suspected spurious medicines worth more than Rs 5 crore, while the investigation by Ramanagara police continues.

Also Read: Karnataka Expands Higher Education Access With 7.5% Quota For Rural School Students