Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Karnataka FDA Seizes Alleged Fake Drugs Worth Rs 4.91 Crore
Karnataka officials found a farmhouse that they say was being used to change the labels on medicines.
Cheaper medicines were allegedly put into new vials and made to look like costly brands.
Officials said some medicines could be fake or contain the wrong ingredients.
They also found expired medicines, machines, bottles, caps and fake labels.
The seized items were estimated to be worth about Rs 4.91 crore.
The scanning codes on some labels did not work.
The medicines are being tested to check their contents, cleanliness and strength.
Police and drug officials are investigating, and the medicines cannot be sold while the case is examined.
Karnataka FDA officials seized medicines and equipment valued at Rs 4,91,49,575 from an alleged unlicensed facility in Bidadi.
Officials allege that lower-cost medicines were filled into new vials and relabelled as expensive multinational or imported brands.
The seizure included 5,640 Cefiavigent vials, 1,531 Hizlam injectables, 470 Xavitaz vials, 264 Emblaveo vials and other medicines.
Authorities also found 30 boxes of expired medicines, forged labels, non-functional scanning codes, packaging materials and injection-filling machinery.
Samples were sent for testing, seized batches were blocked on the Karnataka FDA portal, and a police complaint was filed at Tavarekere Police Station.
- Who
- The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration’s Drug Enforcement Wing, assisted by police, conducted the inspection.
- What
- Officials seized alleged spurious and expired medicines, machinery, packaging materials and forged labels valued at Rs 4,91,49,575.
- When
- The inspection followed a tip-off received on August 18, and officials announced the seizure on Wednesday.
- Where
- An alleged repacking facility at a farmhouse in Kurubarakerana Halli, Bidadi, Bengaluru South district.
- Why
- Officials allege that lower-cost medicines were being repacked and relabelled as premium or imported brands without a valid licence.
- Estimated seizure value
- Rs 4,91,49,575, described in one headline as approximately Rs 5 crore
- Location
- Farmhouse at No. 34, Kurubarakerana Halli, Bidadi, Bengaluru South district
- Largest seizure
- 5,640 vials of Cefiavigent 2.5 Injection, valued at Rs 3.38 crore
- Other major medicines
- 1,531 Hizlam injectables, 470 Xavitaz vials, 264 Emblaveo vials and 165 Zavicefta vials
- Expired stock
- Thirty boxes of expired medicines estimated at Rs 35 lakh
- Applicable law
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, including provisions concerning spurious drugs and unlicensed manufacture, storage and distribution
- Investigation status
- Samples were sent for laboratory testing, batches were blocked on the Karnataka FDA portal, and a complaint was filed at Tavarekere Police Station
