In a major crackdown on counterfeit pharmaceuticals, the Crime Branch has busted an interstate racket involved in manufacturing and selling fake Rabies vaccines along with several other life-saving drugs. Four accused, including the alleged mastermind, have been arrested, and a large stock of counterfeit medicines has been seized from a clandestine manufacturing unit operating in the capital.
Officials said the gang was engaged in illegally sourcing government supply medicines from Uttar Pradesh, removing original labels, and rebranding them for resale in Delhi-NCR and parts of Northeast India. The operation has raised serious concerns over public health and the safety of critical medical supplies.
Counterfeit Vaccines, Injectables, and High‑Risk Drugs Seized
During the raid, authorities recovered a wide range of suspected counterfeit medicines, including Tenofovir Alafenamide, Azithromycin tablets, Lenvatinib capsules (4 mg), Rabies vaccine, Paracetamol, Albucel (Human Albumin 20%), Vitamin D3 injections, Snake Venom Anti-Serum, Anti-D (Rho) Immunoglobulin injections, Insulin Glargine cartridges, and Hepatitis B vaccines, among others.
Officials stated that the gang was not only dealing in counterfeit vaccines but also in high-risk injectable drugs used for chronic and emergency medical conditions, making the racket extremely dangerous.
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Government‑Supply Chain Hijacked, Delhi Factory Exposed
Investigators revealed that the syndicate operated by diverting medicines meant for government distribution channels. These medicines were allegedly collected from supply chains in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and then diverted for illegal repackaging. Original labels and identification marks were removed before the products were re-labelled and prepared for resale in the open market.
According to police, the counterfeit manufacturing unit was operating from a residential building in Indira Vikas Colony, Mukherjee Nagar area of Delhi. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team of the Crime Branch and drug control officials conducted a raid on the second floor of the premises, uncovering an active fake medicine production setup.
During the operation, the alleged mastermind Manoj Kumar Jain was arrested on the spot. Subsequently, his associates Raj Kumar Mishra, Vikram Singh alias Sunny, and Vatan were also taken into custody after coordinated follow-up action.
Structured Repackaging, Interstate Network, and Health Threat
Authorities said the gang had been systematically targeting medicines meant for critical illnesses and emergency care, thereby posing a severe risk to patients who may unknowingly receive ineffective or harmful substitutes.
Officials added that the accused were involved in a structured process of re-packaging and re-labelling, making it difficult for consumers and even small distributors to identify the counterfeit products. The investigation also suggests that the network had established distribution links across multiple states.
Police further stated that the racket was operating with a high level of organisation, and efforts are underway to identify additional members of the network as well as supply chain handlers responsible for procurement and distribution.
The operation was launched after credible intelligence inputs were received regarding the circulation of fake vaccines in the market. Following this, the Crime Branch coordinated with the Drug Control Department of the Delhi Government to verify the information and initiate enforcement action.
Experts have warned that counterfeit vaccines and injectable medicines can have life-threatening consequences, especially in cases involving Rabies, Hepatitis, and insulin-dependent patients. Authorities are now examining digital records, packaging material, and supply invoices recovered from the site to trace the full extent of the distribution network and identify possible interstate links.
Officials confirmed that further interrogation of the arrested accused is underway, and more arrests are expected as the investigation progresses. The case has highlighted serious gaps in pharmaceutical supply chain monitoring and the growing threat of counterfeit medicines in the region. The Crime Branch has stated that strict action will continue against such illegal pharmaceutical networks, and enhanced surveillance mechanisms are being put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
