Ghaziabad. The Ghaziabad Police have uncovered an alleged racket involved in manufacturing and selling counterfeit health supplements and restricted steroids targeting young people seeking muscular physiques and six-pack abs. In a joint operation by the Trans Hindon police and the SWAT team, counterfeit supplements, restricted steroids and suspected allopathic medicines worth around ₹50 lakh were recovered from a residential property in Shalimar Garden. Five people were arrested during the operation.
The preliminary investigation found that the group was allegedly using the names and foreign labels of well-known health supplement brands from the United States, Netherlands, Indonesia and Thailand to manufacture counterfeit products. According to police, raw materials were sourced from Delhi and Punjab. The powder and other materials were allegedly packed into containers at the residential property, after which foreign-brand labels were applied. The finished products were then supplied to the market through a network of shops and gyms.
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The operation was carried out at a residential property on 80-Foota Road in Shalimar Garden. Police had received information that illegal supplements were being manufactured and sold from the premises. The SWAT team and local police conducted a raid late Tuesday night. During the search, officers recovered large quantities of packaged supplements, powders, empty containers, foreign labels, steroids and injections used for bodybuilding.
According to police, the property where the alleged operation was being conducted belonged to one of the arrested accused. During questioning, investigators learned that the group allegedly obtained raw powder, printed foreign labels and empty containers from Delhi. These materials were then used to prepare and package the counterfeit products. The finished goods were allegedly distributed to the retail market through different members of the network.
The investigation has also revealed that the group was allegedly operating two outlets in the Vijay Nagar area under the names “Nutrition World” and “Nutrition Adda.” Police said the outlets, along with a network connected to gyms, were being used to sell the counterfeit products to customers at high prices by presenting them as genuine foreign-brand supplements. Investigators are now examining sales records and the roles of people associated with these outlets.
The quality and chemical composition of the recovered products are also being examined. Police and the drug department sealed 21 separate samples recovered during the raid. The samples have been sent to the government laboratory in Lucknow for testing. The laboratory report will help determine what substances were used in the products and the extent of the potential health risks associated with them.
Drug department officials have warned gym-goers against using steroids and suspicious supplements without medical advice. Experts caution that uncontrolled use of steroids for rapid muscle growth can have serious effects on vital organs. Products containing unknown or adulterated chemicals can further increase the risks.
Police are now investigating the supply chain behind the alleged operation. During questioning, information emerged about two suspected suppliers who allegedly provided raw powder and packaging materials from Delhi. Teams are conducting raids at possible locations to trace them. Investigators are also examining how long the counterfeit supplements had been manufactured, which cities they were supplied to and how many customers may have received them.
Investigators are also examining mobile phones, documents, packaging material and records related to sales recovered during the operation. Additional legal provisions may be added to the case depending on the laboratory findings and other evidence emerging during the investigation. The authorities are also examining whether other people were involved in manufacturing, supplying or distributing the counterfeit products.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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