The Uttarakhand Police’s Special Task Force (STF), in a joint operation with the Drug Administration Department, has busted an alleged fake medicine manufacturing unit operating in Bazpur, Udham Singh Nagar district. According to officials, the unit was allegedly manufacturing and supplying counterfeit allopathic medicines under the names of several reputed pharmaceutical companies without a valid licence. One accused has been arrested, while the investigation is continuing to identify other individuals linked to the network.
According to investigators, a raid at a factory operating under the name Kovil Biotech in the Bazpur industrial area led to the seizure of a large quantity of counterfeit medicines, pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging machinery, illicit Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), and excise department holograms. Preliminary findings suggest that fake medicines bearing the names of several well-known pharmaceutical brands were being manufactured and distributed from the facility.
Police identified the arrested accused as Dhirendra, a resident of Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh. Investigators alleged that he was using Ayurvedic and food licences as a cover to manufacture and supply counterfeit allopathic medicines under the names of reputed pharmaceutical companies, including Steadmed, Macleods, Intas, and Sun Pharma. Officials said such activities posed a serious risk to public health.
Based on information provided during interrogation, investigators also raided a warehouse located on National Highway-74, where they recovered a substantial stock of finished medicines along with illicit liquor. Authorities said the operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 100,000 tablets and 15,000 bottles of syrup. The recovered medicines included antibiotics, antacids, painkillers, medicines for neuropathic pain and prostate-related ailments, calcium, iron and vitamin supplements, as well as several life-saving drugs.
In addition, the enforcement team seized more than 2,600 bottles of liquor, excise holograms, packaging materials and machinery allegedly used for manufacturing counterfeit medicines. Officials said the seized material will undergo forensic and technical examination to determine how long the operation had been running and the extent of its distribution network across different states.
Police have registered a case against the accused at Bazpur Police Station under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, along with relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Separate legal proceedings have also been initiated under the Uttarakhand Excise Act in connection with the seizure of illicit liquor. Investigators are examining the possible involvement of suppliers, distributors and other associates connected to the alleged network.
Authorities said they are analysing financial transactions, licensing records, supply chain documents and electronic evidence to identify the full extent of the counterfeit medicine operation. Investigators are also attempting to trace the medical stores, distributors and markets where the suspected counterfeit medicines may have been supplied.
Experts warned that counterfeit medicines can seriously compromise patient treatment and pose significant health risks. Consumers have been advised to purchase medicines only from authorised pharmacies, carefully verify packaging, batch numbers and manufacturer details, and immediately report any suspected counterfeit medicines to the Drug Administration Department or the police. Officials have reiterated that strict action will continue against individuals involved in activities that endanger public health.
