The Delhi Police Crime Branch and the Drugs Control Department conducted extensive raids on 40 drug distribution outlets across the national capital, targeting those suspected of distributing counterfeit cancer medication. Over 160 medicine samples were seized from areas near major hospitals including AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, Lok Nayak, and Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute.
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Multiple Violations Detected Near Hospitals
The crackdown covered prominent drug markets such as Bhagirath Place, Daryaganj, Laxmi Nagar, and Dwarka. Out of the 40 outlets checked, 15 were found in violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, of 1940, for issues like non-compliance with recordkeeping requirements and sales without proper prescriptions. Legal notices have been issued to the erring vendors.
A majority of the confiscated samples were anti-cancer drugs, raising concerns over their authenticity. According to officials, many of these drugs are typically sold in the black market at ₹50,000–₹70,000, although the legitimate cost can range between ₹1–2 lakh per vial.
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Samples Sent for Lab Testing
All 160 samples have been forwarded to government laboratories in Delhi and Chandigarh for testing. Officials said the reports are expected in three to four weeks. If confirmed to be spurious, substandard, or misbranded, criminal proceedings may be initiated under applicable sections of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
This operation follows earlier investigations where authorities uncovered a racket selling fake anti-cancer medications filled in original-looking vials. Previous raids had led to the seizure of goods worth over ₹2 crore and the arrest of key suspects in the supply chain.
The current action is part of an ongoing effort to eliminate the circulation of counterfeit medical products, particularly life-saving drugs, in the market. Officials reiterated their commitment to conducting similar inspections in the coming weeks to prevent further risk to public health.
About the Author – Anirudh Mittal is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change.