Delhi Police has busted a massive interstate fake medicine racket involving counterfeit versions of lifesaving drugs sold under the names of top pharma companies like Johnson & Johnson, GSK, and Alkem. Six individuals have been arrested, including the alleged kingpin Rajesh Mishra. Two illegal manufacturing units were shut down one in Jind, Haryana, and another in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh as part of the operation that spanned across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.

Key highlights

Wide interstate fake drug network uncovered

• Operation spanned Moradabad, Deoria, Gorakhpur (UP); Panipat, Jind (Haryana); and Baddi, Solan (Himachal Pradesh).

• Factories in Jind and Baddi were producing counterfeit tablets including fake Ultracet and Augmentin.

• Packaging mimicked reputed pharma brands and was sourced from different states.

Sophisticated modus operandi using tech and hawala

• The gang used encrypted chat apps and fake bank accounts to manage transactions.

• Hawala networks helped launder profits from fake drug sales.

• Counterfeit materials like foils and blister packs were procured discreetly.

Crackdown triggered by a key tip-off

• A consignment was intercepted at a petrol pump in Delhi’s Civil Lines on July 30.

• Arrested suspects included Mohammad Alam and Mohammad Salim from Moradabad.

• Company reps from Johnson & Johnson and GSK confirmed fake packaging on the spot.

Roles of key accused revealed in probe

• Mohammad Alam managed NCR distribution; his brother Salim handled logistics.

• Mohammad Zubair acted as a supplier, confirmed via WhatsApp and financial trails.

• Prem Shankar Prajapati managed drug movement from factories to dealers.

• Rajesh Mishra, the alleged kingpin, coordinated production and sales.

• Parmanand ran 'Laxmi Maa Pharma' in Jind, which was a front for fake Ultracet production.

This operation has exposed the scale and sophistication of counterfeit drug networks operating under the radar in India. With the involvement of fake packaging, illegal manufacturing, and hawala financing, the racket posed a major risk to public health. Authorities are urging pharmacists to stay vigilant, verify suppliers, and report any suspected counterfeit activity to ensure patient safety.