Illegal drug repacking unit busted in Bengaluru, fake vials worth ₹3.38 crore seized

In a major crackdown on the illegal drug trade, Karnataka's Drug Enforcement Wing has seized medicines, forged labels, and packaging equipment worth ₹4.91 crore from an unlicensed facility near Bidadi on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The operation, carried out on August 18, has raised serious questions about the practice of repacking low-cost medicines and passing them off as expensive branded products, including those of multinational pharmaceutical companies.

The largest component of the seized stock, valued at ₹3.38 crore, comprised 5,640 vials of CEFIAVIGENT 2.5 Injection. According to the inventory, these vials carried the name of Eucratia Healthcare Private Limited as the manufacturer. Additionally, 1,531 vials of HIZLAM Injectables, bearing the label of Welcure Remedies, were seized and valued at ₹52.24 lakh.

Health Minister U.T. Khader, while addressing presspersons on August 19, provided details of the inspection. He confirmed that the premises, a farmhouse at No. 34, Kurubarakeranahalli, Bidadi, in Bengaluru South district, was being used for filling, repacking, and applying labels to medicines. The facility did not possess a valid licence for the manufacture, storage, or distribution of drugs.

Among the other notable seizures were 30 boxes of expired medicines, valued at approximately ₹35 lakh. The Minister stated that the presence of expired stock is under investigation to determine whether such medicines were being reintroduced into the supply chain. The inventory also included 470 vials of Xavitaz injection valued at ₹27.49 lakh and 264 vials of EMBLAVEO, valued at ₹20.59 lakh, the latter carrying the label of Pfizer Limited.

Further seizures included 165 vials of Zavicefta injection (₹5.45 lakh), 44 vials of TIGYNT IV (₹2.06 lakh) bearing the name of Stanex Drugs and Chemicals, 44 vials of Tigvnet injection (₹2.06 lakh), 190 vials of Aztreo injection (₹1.48 lakh), and 50 vials of Trezam Injection (₹1 lakh).

The team also recovered two boxes of packaging material, including stoppers and caps, an industrial injection-filling machine, and other equipment valued at ₹5 lakh. Forged labels, stamps, and printing material were estimated at ₹2 lakh. The total value of all seized items has been calculated at ₹4,91,49,575.

Mr. Khader said that preliminary findings indicated the facility was being used to manufacture and repack medicines, subsequently applying labels to pass them off as branded or imported products. He noted that QR codes on some labels were non-functional, and the department is examining labels, batch numbers, and other details to establish the origin and authenticity of the medicines.

Samples of the seized products have been sent for laboratory analysis to determine their chemical composition, potency, and sterility. The test results will be crucial in determining the nature of the alleged violations and whether the products meet required pharmaceutical standards.

The department has taken steps to prevent any of the seized batches from entering the market. Batch numbers and relevant entries are being blocked on the Karnataka FDA portal. The investigation is being extended beyond the premises to trace the source of the medicines and determine whether any relabelled products had already entered the distribution chain.

The alleged activities are being examined under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The Act classifies spurious drugs under Section 17B, and offences involving their manufacture, sale, stocking, or distribution attract stringent punishment under Section 27. Depending on the offence and circumstances, the punishment can range from a minimum of 10 years in prison to life imprisonment. A police complaint has been lodged with the local authorities.