Lucknow: A major counterfeit medicine racket operating through Uttar Pradesh has come to light following an investigation by the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA). The probe has revealed that counterfeit medicines bearing the labels of well-known pharmaceutical companies are being routed through Uttar Pradesh to various districts within the state, while consignments are also allegedly being smuggled into Nepal and Bangladesh. Over the past month, authorities have seized counterfeit medicines worth nearly ₹20 crore and initiated legal action against more than 50 medical stores. Investigators are conducting raids across several districts based on information obtained from arrested suspects.
According to the investigation, suspected counterfeit medicines manufactured or sourced from Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are first transported to major pharmaceutical wholesale markets in Agra and Lucknow. From there, the consignments are distributed to medical stores across different cities and towns in Uttar Pradesh. Officials said the supply network temporarily suspends operations during intensive enforcement drives but resumes activity once surveillance eases. Investigators have also found that counterfeit medicines are being transported through courier services and warehouses located near public and private bus terminals.
The FSDA investigation further revealed that consignments are being smuggled into Nepal through the Maharajganj and Siddharthnagar border areas. Another route allegedly carries medicines from Varanasi to Bihar and West Bengal, where the packaging is reportedly changed before the products are sent onward to Bangladesh. Authorities are examining the role of all individuals and entities connected to the cross-border supply chain.
Laboratory examination of several seized samples reportedly found little or no active pharmaceutical ingredient in some medicines. Investigators also suspect that medicines nearing their expiry date are being repackaged with fresh labels and reintroduced into the market. Further scientific testing and laboratory reports are being used to determine the extent of the alleged fraud and identify those responsible.
One of the cases under investigation involves a batch of Chemorol Forte that was allegedly purchased by Anshika Pharma from Vibhor Medical Agency in Agra and later sold to Pal Brothers in Kolkata. While the transaction was recorded in the stock register, investigators reportedly found the purchase invoices to be fraudulent, indicating possible document manipulation within the supply chain.
In another case, medicines seized from Alambagh in Lucknow were found to be counterfeit during testing. The individual from whom the medicines were recovered allegedly told investigators that the stock had been purchased without an invoice from New Surgical in Varanasi. During further questioning, arrested suspect Sandeep Singh reportedly stated that he had obtained the medicines from Prayagraj resident Sanjay Singh Chauhan. Investigators are pursuing additional leads based on these disclosures.
Suresh Kumar, President of the Drug Traders’ Association, urged medicine retailers to avoid purchasing drugs without proper invoices or being lured by unusually high profit margins. He advised traders to carefully verify packaging, batch numbers and purchase documentation before stocking medicines. According to him, counterfeit medicines pose a serious threat to patients’ health while also damaging the credibility and business of legitimate pharmaceutical retailers.
FSDA Deputy Commissioner Shashi Mohan Gupta said the department is continuing its crackdown on the counterfeit medicine network. Acting on intelligence received from Agra, inspection teams carried out investigations in Lucknow, Varanasi and several other districts. He said that as laboratory reports are received, the identified batches are being withdrawn from the market and legal action is being initiated against those found responsible.
Uttar Pradesh is one of India’s largest pharmaceutical markets, with nearly 60,000 wholesale drug dealers and approximately 105,000 retail medical stores. The state’s medical stores reportedly generate business worth around ₹100 crore every day, while Uttar Pradesh accounts for nearly 25% of the country’s pharmaceutical market. Lucknow, Agra, Varanasi and Kanpur are among the state’s principal pharmaceutical trading hubs. Experts believe that dismantling such organised counterfeit medicine networks will require stronger inter-state coordination, enhanced regulatory surveillance and stricter monitoring of the pharmaceutical supply chain.
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.
