Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader announced that authorities have seized counterfeit medicines worth nearly ₹5 crore in Bengaluru. The state government has launched an investigation into a large-scale fake drug racket involving over 90 hospitals and clinics. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing interstate connections linked to the operation, which was uncovered this week, according to livemint.com.
The crackdown followed intelligence inputs that led to raids across multiple locations in Bengaluru. The SIT is examining supply chains and distribution networks to identify all parties involved. Minister Khader confirmed that the seized drugs were being supplied to more than 90 healthcare facilities, raising concerns about patient safety and regulatory oversight. The probe aims to dismantle the entire network and prevent further circulation of counterfeit medicines in the state.
This seizure highlights ongoing challenges in India’s pharmaceutical supply chain, where counterfeit drugs pose risks to public health. Similar busts in other states have exposed vulnerabilities in drug regulation and enforcement. The scale of this racket, involving ₹5 crore worth of fake medicines and numerous hospitals, underscores the need for stricter monitoring and accountability in healthcare provisioning. The Karnataka government’s swift action follows recent efforts nationwide to crack down on counterfeit drug manufacturing and distribution.
The SIT continues to investigate the interstate links and the full extent of the racket. Minister UT Khader stated that legal proceedings will follow against those found responsible. The probe’s progress will be closely watched as authorities work to secure Bengaluru’s healthcare system from counterfeit drug threats, according to livemint.com.