CH News, BENGALURU
Law enforcement agencies have stepped up efforts to dismantle a massive counterfeit drug operation following recent discoveries in the southern district of the city.
Investigators from the Crime Investigation Department Special Investigation Team, alongside the Department of Drug Control, initiated coordinated inspections across more than 10 locations spread over 6 states. The ongoing operation targets hidden farmhouses and illegal packaging facilities connected to the criminal network. Authorities have tracked network activities across several regions, including Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
Recent enforcement actions included targeted searches at the residence and office of Veeresh Kumar, located near Minerva Circle. Investigators established that Kumar maintained a close business partnership with the primary suspect, R. Prashanth, collaborating on operations for the past year. Authorities secured significant evidence during the searches, recovering counterfeit pharmaceuticals, fraudulent invoices, and essential documents from both the residential property and a healthcare facility managed by the suspect.
The syndicate’s operations came to light following initial raids conducted on August 18 by food safety and drug control personnel. Inspectors targeted unauthorized packaging sites situated within the Bidadi and Dodderi sectors of Bengaluru South.
During those operations, authorities confiscated fake packaging materials and labels bearing the trademarks of major global pharmaceutical brands. The total value of the substandard drugs seized during the initial raids is estimated between ₹4.5 and ₹5 crore.
Investigators expressed deep concern over the nature of the counterfeit products, which included critical life-saving medications intended for intensive care units. The syndicate distributed these substandard drugs to various local hospitals and pharmacies at a heavy discount of fifty percent, putting vulnerable patients at severe health risk.
Recognizing the gravity of the public health threat, the state government mandated the creation of the dedicated investigation team. Joint Commissioner of Police C. Vamsi Krishna leads the specialized unit as they work to track down all individuals connected to the manufacturing and distribution network. Officials stated that the comprehensive probe will continue until every person involved in the illegal trade faces justice.