Bengaluru's medical community is reeling after investigators uncovered a sophisticated counterfeit medicine operation that supplied fake drugs—including cancer medications and ICU injections—to hospitals across the city. The raid, part of a multi-state operation, exposed how expired medicines were being repackaged with counterfeit labels and sold at steep discounts to unsuspecting healthcare facilities.

Key facts

  • Raids conducted at 10 locations across 6 states
  • ₹4.91 crore worth of suspected counterfeit medicines seized
  • Operation linked to over 90 hospitals and clinics in Bengaluru
  • Owner of Krupa Healthcare arrested; kingpin Prashanth remains at large

The Investigation Unfolds

The Special Investigation Team, working with drug inspectors, zeroed in on Krupa Healthcare near Minerva Circle after earlier raids at a Bidadi farmhouse on August 18 revealed the scope of the operation. There, authorities found injection-filling equipment, fake bills, and counterfeit labels alongside medicines worth nearly five crore rupees.

How The Operation Worked

Investigators believe the network purchased low-cost rebranded medicines and expired drugs, then transferred them into new containers with counterfeit packaging. Even medicines from reputable companies were given fake labels before distribution. The suspected counterfeit medications were stored at the Minerva Circle warehouse before being supplied to medical facilities across Bengaluru at approximately 50% discounts—a tempting offer that may have helped the fake drugs enter legitimate supply chains.

Medical Community at Risk

The most alarming aspect? These weren't just ordinary medications. Counterfeit cancer drugs and life-saving injections used in intensive care units were among the products being circulated. A network of more than 15 medical representatives allegedly helped distribute the medicines to hospitals and pharmacies, putting countless patients at risk.

"We have seized documents pertaining to procurement and distribution which is being verified," a senior officer supervising the operation said.

What Happens Next

The seized medicines have been sent to laboratories for analysis to determine their chemical composition and authenticity. Meanwhile, authorities have blocked the batch numbers of suspected counterfeit medicines on the Karnataka FDA portal as a precaution. The hunt continues for alleged kingpin Prashanth, whose capture could reveal the full extent of this dangerous network.