Bengaluru Fake Medicine Racket Distributes Thousands of Spurious Antibiotic Vials
Investigators in Bengaluru have uncovered an interstate counterfeit drug network that distributed nearly 15,000 vials of high-cost prescription antibiotics over the past year and a half, according to a Special Investigation Team probe cited by The New Indian Express. The operation utilized generic medications packaged inside labels bearing the Pfizer name, targeting critical care drugs priced between Rs 5,500 and Rs 6,500 per vial.
The illicit network came to light after authorities raided a farmhouse near Tavarekere on the city’s outskirts on August 18, as reported by Deccan Herald. The operation involved counterfeit, expired, and relabeled life-saving, intensive care unit, and cancer drugs valued at over Rs 5 crore, according to findings detailed by DT Next.
Prashanth Rajanbabu Arrested at Kempegowda International Airport
Prashanth Rajanbabu, identified by police as the 35-year-old alleged mastermind of the interstate fake medicine racket, was arrested in the early hours of Monday upon his arrival from Azerbaijan at Kempegowda International Airport, Deccan Herald reported. Prashanth, a medical representative from Papareddy Palya in western Bengaluru, was taken into custody at the arrival gate after officials found him listed under a lookout notice, according to The Siasat Daily.
Investigators traced his presence to Azerbaijan earlier, where he was reportedly detained by customs officials after his visa expired on September 9. Prashanth had leased the Tavarekere farmhouse about a year ago and visited it every two weeks, using his prior experience as a medical representative in Bengaluru and Telangana to establish supply chain contacts.
Kingpin procured original labels in Turkey to disguise counterfeits
The alleged kingpin travelled to Turkey several times a year to procure original pharmaceutical labels, which were later affixed to counterfeit medicines, The Hindu reported. After his Turkey visa was cancelled on multiple occasions, investigators suspect he began travelling to neighbouring countries, including Azerbaijan, to maintain the supply chain.
The Special Investigation Team revealed that the network mixed counterfeit medicines with original medicines and supplied them to the market to evade detection. The accused allegedly filled vials with generic substances instead of genuine drugs such as Zavicefta and Emblaveo, which are prescription intravenous antibiotics used to treat serious bacterial infections and multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria.
Karnataka cancels drug licenses as investigation expands across states
The investigation has expanded beyond Karnataka to states including Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, following the arrest of local pharmacy owner Veeresh Kumar Jain of Krupa Healthcare in Bengaluru, who is suspected of supplying the drugs to local hospitals and pharmacies (DT Next, The Siasat Daily). Associated retailers, wholesalers, and distributors linked to the scam have faced action from the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration, which has revoked 16 drug licenses and suspended eight others.
Among the suspended licenses is the Pfizer Carrying and Forwarding Depot. DT Next reported that Karnataka Health Minister UT Khader noted that the agency failed to assist investigators or supply the reference standards required for laboratory testing of the chemical elements in the confiscated drugs. The Health Department is actively trying to track down affected patients to evaluate their health status and has urged the public to check labels carefully for suspicious packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bengaluru Counterfeit Drug Investigation
What specific medicines were targeted in the counterfeit operation?
The network distributed nearly 15,000 spurious vials of two high-cost antibiotics, Zavicefta and Emblaveo, for which Pfizer holds the rights, alongside other critical care drugs valued at over Rs 5 crore, according to The New Indian Express and DT Next.
How was the illegal operation uncovered by authorities?
The racket was exposed after authorities raided a farmhouse near Tavarekere on Bengaluru’s outskirts on August 18, leading the government to constitute a Special Investigation Team comprising police and Drugs Control Department officials (Deccan Herald).
Which regulatory actions have been taken against licensed entities involved?
The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration has cancelled 16 drug licenses and suspended eight others belonging to retailers, wholesalers, and distributors, including the Pfizer C&F Depot due to a failure to provide reference standards for testing, according to DT Next.
Where was the alleged mastermind detained before his return to India?
Prashanth Rajanbabu was detained by customs officials in Azerbaijan after his visa expired on September 9, before being taken into custody upon landing at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, as reported by The Siasat Daily.