The Delhi Police’s Crime Branch has dismantled an alleged multi-state racket involving counterfeit anti-cancer medications, apprehending 17 suspects and seizing drugs worth approximately Rs 9 crore. This significant operation was reported on Thursday following a thorough investigation initiated on June 22, when police received confidential intelligence regarding the syndicate’s activities.

During the operation, authorities recovered a substantial cache of medicines, including 588 filled vials, six empty vials, seven empty medicine boxes, and 3,021 units of other pharmaceuticals. Approximately Rs 50 lakh in cash was also confiscated. The seized medications featured well-known drugs like Darzalex, Imfinzi, Erbitux, and others, essential for treating various types of cancer.

The police revealed that the investigation revealed connections between the syndicate and several locations, including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Investigative efforts culminated in simultaneous raids conducted on July 11 in Delhi and Navi Mumbai, carried out with the cooperation of local police and the drugs department.

Methodologies Employed by the Racket

Authorities indicated that the group employed multiple strategies to obtain and distribute drugs. These included acquiring counterfeit medicines from unauthorised suppliers, diverting hospital stock intended for cancer patients, and misappropriating government-supplied medications. Police also noted that these drugs were procured without valid invoices, drug licences, or legal documentation, before being stored and eventually distributed to intermediaries.

It was revealed that original cartons and packaging materials were kept for repackaging purposes, while identifying markings, including batch numbers and prices, were reportedly removed using chemicals such as acetone. Additionally, various materials were used to prepare consignments for distribution, including thermocol boxes and bubble rolls, alongside registers and diaries that recorded transactions related to medicines and cash.

Among the individuals apprehended was Abhishek Vaishya, aged 26, implicated in the supply of medicines since 2022. Police recovered significant amounts of cash and related materials from him. His associates, Shubham and Suraj Chaudhary, aged 25 and 22 respectively, were also part of the operation, with substantial amounts of cash retrieved from them as well.

Profiles of Those Arrested and Connection to Wider Network

The arrested individuals include a variety of participants within the drug supply chain. Gagan, 28, from Indirapuram, allegedly obtained injections and supplied them to Vaishya, while others, such as Mukesh, 30, from Gurugram, reportedly procured drugs from hospitals. Additionally, Ayush Kumar, 23, from Patna, was identified as a key operator facilitating the sourcing of drugs.

Other notable arrests include Vishwas Tyagi, 35, and Paramjeet Sheoran, 34, who played roles in facilitating supplies and distribution within the network. Moreover, Anand Kumar, 42, acted as a significant intermediary in the operation, from whom 337 vials were seized.

The operation further exposed the involvement of healthcare professionals, including nurses and medical store employees, who allegedly misappropriated medicines intended for patients. By employing various means, including manipulation of hospital stock, the syndicate orchestrated a comprehensive illicit network.

In conclusion, as investigations continue, the Crime Branch is working diligently to identify the complete supply and financial structure of the racket, exploring the roles of all implicated parties. An FIR was registered at the Crime Branch Police Station on July 12, marking a critical step in addressing the growing concerns surrounding counterfeit medications in India.

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