The Delhi Police Crime Branch has dismantled a sophisticated interstate network involved in the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit life-saving medicines across India. The operation, which spanned several states, led to the arrest of six individuals including manufacturers, wholesalers, and suppliers. Investigators stated that the gang had been active since 2011. During the crackdown, authorities seized counterfeit drugs valued at approximately ₹2 crore along with 2,000 kilograms of raw materials. Police identified the main production facility in Sher Nagar, Muzaffarnagar, which was reportedly operated by Mohammad Akdas Siddiqui for nearly 15 years. Siddiqui managed to escape during the raid and remains at large.
Network of distribution and fictitious billing
The investigation into the illicit trade began on 11 March when teams received information regarding the storage and distribution of fake pharmaceuticals. Nikhil Arora, a Delhi-based wholesaler, was identified as a central figure who supplied these medicines to multiple states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. From Arora’s premises, police recovered approximately 20,000 tablets and capsules. Further investigation revealed that Shahrukh and Rahul facilitated the enterprise by providing fake GST bills and shell companies. Over the last few months, the duo allegedly arranged fictitious billing for medicines worth approximately ₹50 crore to launder transactions through fraudulent documentation.
Raids on manufacturing facilities and raw materials
Following the initial arrests of Arora and suppliers Shivam Tyagi, Mayank Agrawal, and Mohit Kumar Sharma, the police conducted a raid on the Muzaffarnagar factory. The facility, which covered approximately 1,000 yards, housed advanced domestic and imported machinery for production and packaging. Authorities seized 10,000 empty bottles, multiple dye sets, and packaging machines. Raw materials recovered at the site included Metformin-HCL, Calcium Carbonate, Lactose, Starch, and Magnesium Stearate. Siddiqui reportedly sold these finished products at only 20 percent of the market price. The accused confessed that the drugs were procured from the Muzaffarnagar factory before being distributed across several state borders.
Counterfeit life-saving drugs seized
A total of 1,20,535 tablets and capsules were recovered during the multi-state operation. The Delhi Drug Control Department confirmed that the seized items were counterfeit and bore the labels of well-known pharmaceutical brands. The haul included various Schedule-H drugs used for treating diabetes, hypertension, liver disorders, and infections. Among the specific products identified were Glycomet, Glukonorm, Amlovas-AT, and Montier-LC, along with various antibiotics and antivirals. This bust highlights the significant scale of counterfeit pharmaceutical operations in the region and the persistent risks such networks pose to public health through the circulation of unregulated medical products.
