In an unexpected raid on a factory near Delhi in Ghaziabad, a shocking reality came to light. This factory, ostensibly producing LED bulbs, was manufacturing counterfeit drugs for high blood pressure, diabetes, and antacids, which were then distributed in markets. The Delhi Police’s Crime Branch seized fake medications valued at over one crore INR from this factory and warehouse. They found that this deceitful setup was replicating packaged brand-name drugs. Many of such counterfeits are best-sellers in India – it's chilling to imagine a loved one unknowingly consuming them. The fake drugs were being supplied all the way to Hyderabad.
The Drug Department's task force discovered fake drugs and equipment worth lakhs, along with substantial raw material intended for manufacturing these knock-off medications. Officials suggested that the medications, taken by many for their health benefits, could be harmful, even fatal.
Post-Raid Arrests Made
Following a tip-off about the manufacturing of counterfeit drugs in Ghaziabad, a major joint operation began on March 4, which led to this discovery. The Ghaziabad Drug Department, along with Delhi's Crime Branch and the local police, conducted the operation. As a result, a fake drug manufacturing unit was busted in the Sahibabad area of Rajendra Nagar. Police identified Vijay Chauhan as the ringleader operating the factory and promptly arrested him.
The Deception Unveiled
For the past year, the mastermind had been duping the Drug Department and police, operating the counterfeit drug factory under the guise of an LED bulb repair workshop. However, the upper floors of the building were dedicated to the large-scale production of fake medications. Drug officials, along with Delhi Police and the local Sahibabad station’s police, stormed the industrial area of Rajendra Nagar and the warehouse in New Defence Colony, Bhopura, retrieving fake drugs worth about 8 million INR. These included drugs used for conditions such as acid reflux, diabetes, and high blood pressure, packed as replicas of well-known pharmaceutical brands. Equipment and massive quantities of raw materials were also seized, and the investigation team sent 14 samples for analysis. A lawsuit was registered, and the factory owner, Vijay Chauhan, was arrested.
Source: aajtak
As part of this raid, it became evident that counterfeit drugs with identical branding were being sold in markets, with packaging that mimicked the genuine products, making it impossible for consumers to differentiate. Despite medication, many could still be suffering from their ailments, and this may be due to the unseen consumption of these fakes.
