3 hrs ago
Karnataka Suspends Drug Licences After Bidadi Fake Medicine Raid
Officials in Karnataka say a group may have been making fake medicines.
They allegedly put cheap medicines into new containers and gave them labels resembling expensive medicines.
A raid near Bidadi found medicines, machines and printing materials.
Some medicines had QR codes that did not work when checked.
Officials are testing the products to learn what they contain and whether they are safe.
Several drug licences were cancelled or suspended, including one linked to the Pfizer C&F Depot.
A criminal case has been filed under India’s Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
People are being asked to buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies and report suspicious packages.
Karnataka authorities raided a farmhouse in Bidadi on August 18, 2026, allegedly uncovering an unlicensed repacking operation.
Spurious medicines, machinery and printing materials valued at up to Rs 5.05 crore were seized.
Investigators allege low-cost medicines were repacked and relabelled to resemble expensive multinational-brand medicines.
Sixteen drug licences were cancelled and eight suspended, including the Pfizer C&F Depot licence.
Consumers were told to use licensed pharmacies, obtain tax invoices and report suspicious labels or non-working QR codes.
- Who
- The Karnataka Health Department, the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration, and a Special Investigation Team are investigating retailers, wholesalers and others allegedly linked to the racket.
- What
- Authorities suspended eight drug licences, including the Pfizer C&F Depot licence, after a raid allegedly uncovered counterfeit-drug repacking and relabelling.
- Where
- The raid occurred at a farmhouse in Kurubarakeranahalli, Bidadi, in Bengaluru South district; the Pfizer depot is in Kempalinganahalli, Nelamangala Taluk.
- When
- The raid took place on August 18, 2026; the consumer warning was issued on Monday.
- Why
- Officials allege that low-cost medicines were repacked and relabelled as expensive life-saving medicines, creating a potential public-health risk.
Key facts
- Raid location
- A farmhouse at Kurubarakeranahalli in Bidadi, Bengaluru South district
- Raid date
- August 18, 2026
- Seized materials
- Suspected spurious drugs, machinery and printing materials
- Estimated value
- Rs 5.05 crore; the inventory value was separately estimated at Rs 4.91 crore
- Licence action
- Sixteen drug licences cancelled and eight suspended
- Legal action
- A criminal case was registered under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
- Testing and prevention
- Samples were sent for laboratory testing, while seized batch numbers were blocked on the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration portal
Sources
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