Fake Cancer Drugs, ICU Injections Allegedly Supplied to 90+ Bengaluru Hospitals, Pharmacy Owner Held
Bengaluru: A suspected counterfeit medicine racket allegedly supplying fake and repackaged drugs to more than 90 hospitals and clinics across Bengaluru has been uncovered by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Bengaluru Police in coordination with the Drugs Control Department.
Pharmacy owner Veeresh Kumar Jain has been arrested in connection with the investigation. Authorities suspect that his pharmacy, Krupa Healthcare near Minerva Circle, was being used as a storage and distribution point for the alleged counterfeit medicines.
According to investigators, the suspected network supplied counterfeit cancer medicines, other critical life-saving drugs and ICU injections to hospitals, clinics and medical shops at discounts of nearly 50 percent. The unusually low prices are believed to have helped facilitate the distribution of the medicines through the medical supply chain.
Investigators suspect that the accused obtained medicines at low prices, subsequently rebranded them and marketed them under different names. The probe has also revealed allegations that expired medicines were repackaged in fresh containers and supplied with counterfeit labels. Some of these labels allegedly resembled those used by established pharmaceutical manufacturers.
The premises of Krupa Healthcare are suspected to have been used to store the medicines before they were supplied to hospitals, clinics and medical retailers. Investigators are also looking into the possible role of more than 15 medical representatives who may have been involved in transporting or facilitating the movement of the suspected counterfeit medicines.
The investigation was initiated after authorities recovered suspected counterfeit medicines valued at approximately Rs 5 crore during a raid at a farmhouse in the Bidadi and Dodderi areas of Bengaluru South district on August 18. During the operation, officials also seized fake invoices, equipment allegedly used for filling injections and counterfeit medicine labels.
After the seizure, the SIT expanded its investigation and carried out coordinated searches at more than 10 locations in several states, including Karnataka, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The investigation subsequently led authorities to Krupa Healthcare, where they allegedly identified a link to Veeresh Kumar.
Vamsi Krishna, Joint Commissioner of Police (West) and head of the SIT, said the investigation remains in progress and that the complete extent of the suspected interstate network has yet to be determined.
According to Krishna, investigators have seized bank transaction records, purchase and sales vouchers and other relevant documents. These records are being examined to establish the movement of the medicines and trace the flow of money associated with the suspected racket.
Police suspect that Veeresh Kumar had been operating the firm for approximately five years. Investigators have further alleged that he was connected with Prashant, whom authorities have identified as a key accused and suspected kingpin of the network, reports The News Minute.
Prashant remains absconding, and police teams are continuing efforts to locate and apprehend him. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining the wider supply chain, financial transactions and the suspected involvement of other individuals in the interstate counterfeit medicine network.
