Karnataka FDA cracks down on fake drug racket: 24 licences hit, ₹5 cr stock seized — what did it find during raid?

The Karnataka Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an investigation against retailers and wholesalers involved in distributing counterfeit medicines. Following a raid on a farmhouse in Bidadi, Bengaluru South district, officials seized suspected counterfeit medicines, equipment, and printing materials, with the seized stock valued at approximately ₹5.05 crore.

The investigation uncovered an illegal facility repackaging and relabelling pharmaceutical products without a licence, often marketed under the names of expensive, multinational drugs. The operation also found products bearing the Pfizer brand, despite QR and scanning codes failing to work, suggesting the counterfeit packaging. A criminal case has been filed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, with penalties including imprisonment and fines for manufacturing, selling, storing, or distributing spurious medicines.

The FDA has cancelled 16 drug licences and suspended eight others, including M/s Pfizer C & F Depot in Nelamangala taluk. The investigation continues, with authorities blocking the batch numbers of seized medicines on their portal to prevent further sale or distribution. The SIT has widened its probe to track the alleged supply network and identify other individuals involved in the operation.

Consumers are advised to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies, report suspicious packaging or QR codes, and stay informed about the ongoing investigation.