Agra | In a major crackdown on the growing menace of counterfeit medicines, the police and drug control authorities have uncovered an inter-state fake drug syndicate operating across several parts of the country. The kingpin of the network, A.K. Rana, a resident of Puducherry, has been arrested and brought to Agra on transit remand. He was later produced before a local court and remanded to judicial custody.
Investigations have revealed that the accused was manufacturing counterfeit medicines in Puducherry and supplying them extensively across Uttar Pradesh and other states, including Agra, where fake drugs worth several crores were allegedly distributed through multiple medical agencies. The case has raised serious concerns within the health department and enforcement agencies due to its potential impact on public health.
According to police officials, Rana supplied counterfeit medicines to at least five firms, including He Maa Medicos and Bansal Medical Agency. The role of these firms and their level of awareness or involvement is currently under scrutiny as the investigation progresses.
Action Initiated Following August Complaints
Assistant Commissioner (Drugs) Atul Upadhyay stated that the operation began in August, after complaints were received regarding the sale of counterfeit medicines bearing the names and packaging of reputed pharmaceutical companies. Acting on these complaints, the Drug Department conducted raids on He Maa Medicos, Radhe Medical Agency, Bansal Medical Agency, MSV Medi Point and Taj Medico.
During these raids, counterfeit medicines worth approximately ₹7.1 crore were seized. Further investigation traced the source of the seized stock to Meenakshi Pharma, a firm operating out of Puducherry, owned and controlled by A.K. Rana.
Network Spread Across Districts and States
The probe also revealed that Rana supplied fake medicines to New Baba Pharma and Parvati Traders in Lucknow. Evidence has emerged indicating that the counterfeit drugs had penetrated markets in Ghaziabad, Bareilly and several other districts.
Officials believe the operation was not confined to Uttar Pradesh alone. Inputs gathered by enforcement agencies suggest that the syndicate was active in multiple states, distributing fake medicines through a well-organised supply chain. With Rana now in custody, investigators expect more details to emerge regarding the scale and reach of the operation.
₹20-Crore Machinery Used for Look-Alike Packaging
One of the most significant revelations came during a raid at Rana’s manufacturing unit in Puducherry. According to drug control officials, CBCID teams raided the factory last month, seizing counterfeit medicines and machinery worth nearly ₹30 crore.
Among the seized equipment was a highly advanced machine valued at around ₹20 crore, capable of producing packaging identical to that of leading pharmaceutical brands. The wrapping, labelling and design were so precise that it was difficult for consumers—and even wholesale traders—to distinguish between genuine and fake products.
In September, teams from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) also raided two factories linked to the syndicate, seizing counterfeit medicines and equipment worth ₹5 crore.
Misuse of Single QR Code for Thousands of Packs
Investigators further discovered that the accused misused a single QR code to manufacture and distribute thousands of counterfeit medicine packs, effectively bypassing standard traceability mechanisms. This practice made detection extremely difficult and allowed the fake products to circulate widely in the market.
The racket came to light after pharmaceutical companies reported a decline in sales and raised concerns about counterfeit versions of their products. Subsequent coordinated action by CDSCO and CBCID teams across multiple states led to the unravelling of the network.
Probe Expanded, More Arrests Likely
Following Rana’s arrest, a joint investigation by the police, CBCID and CDSCO is underway. Authorities are examining:
- The full geographical spread of the fake drug supply
- The involvement of distributors and medical agencies
- The financial trail and beneficiaries of the racket
Officials have indicated that more arrests are likely in the coming days. The case is being treated as a matter of serious concern, not only from a law enforcement perspective but also in terms of public health and patient safety.
