A suspected fake cancer medicine racket has been uncovered in Bengaluru following a joint investigation by the city police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Drugs Control Department. Authorities are examining the suspected supply of counterfeit medicines, including cancer drugs, ICU injections and other critical medicines, to more than 90 hospitals and clinics.
Pharmacy owner Veeresh Kumar Jain has been arrested in connection with the investigation after officials seized a large quantity of suspected counterfeit medicines from Krupa Healthcare near Minerva Circle.
According to investigators, some medicines may have been repackaged or relabelled before being supplied to medical shops, hospitals and clinics. Authorities are examining the seized medicines and records to establish their authenticity and trace their distribution.
Investigation expands to interstate network
The probe is also examining a possible interstate supply network involving more than 15 medical representatives. Police said the full extent of the network, including the destinations of the medicines and the value of transactions, is yet to be established.
Vamsi Krishna, Joint Commissioner of Police (West) and head of the SIT, said investigators have seized bank transaction records, purchase and sale vouchers and other documents to trace the movement of medicines and money.
Police have also identified Prashant as a key accused in the case. He is currently absconding, according to investigators, while Veeresh Kumar is the only person arrested so far.
Probe follows ₹5 crore seizure
The investigation began after authorities raided a farmhouse in the Bidadi and Dodderi areas of Bengaluru South on August 18. The operation reportedly led to the seizure of suspected counterfeit medicines valued at around ₹5 crore, along with fake bills, injection-filling equipment and counterfeit labels.
Following the seizure, coordinated searches were carried out at more than 10 locations across Karnataka, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
Authorities are continuing to examine the seized material and financial records to determine the scale of the suspected racket, trace the supply chain and establish whether any patients were exposed to the medicines in question.