Karnataka Spurious Drugs Racket: FDA Cancels 16 Drug Licences, Suspends Pfizer C&F Depot in Bidadi
Karnataka Spurious Drugs Racket: FDA cancels 16 drug licenses and suspends Pfizer depot in Bidadi as fake medicine probe expands.
Karnataka Spurious Drugs Racket: FDA Cancels 16 Drug Licences, Suspends Pfizer C&F Depot in Bidadi
The Karnataka Spurious Drugs Racket investigation has widened after the state Food Safety and Drugs Administration (FDA) took action against several pharmacies, wholesalers and pharmaceutical establishments. The department has cancelled 16 drug licences and suspended eight others, including the licence of a Pfizer C&F depot in Bengaluru Rural district. The action follows an investigation into an alleged fake medicine operation discovered at a farmhouse near Bidadi.
FDA Action Follows Bidadi Drug Racket Raid
The investigation began after the FDA’s Drug Enforcement Wing conducted a raid on August 18, 2026, at a farmhouse in Kurubarakeranahalli near Bidadi. Officials reportedly found an unlicensed facility allegedly being used for repacking and relabelling medicines.
According to authorities, medicines sourced at lower prices were allegedly repackaged into new vials and presented as expensive medicines. The operation reportedly involved pharmaceutical packaging material, labels, machinery and other equipment. The total value of the seized medicines, machinery and related materials was estimated at around ₹5.05 crore.
The discovery has brought renewed attention to the risks associated with counterfeit medicines and illegal activities within the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Fake Medicine and Relabelling Operation Under Investigation
A preliminary investigation indicated that some medicines were allegedly repackaged and relabelled to resemble products associated with multinational pharmaceutical companies. Authorities also found labels containing QR or scanning codes that reportedly did not function when checked.
The presence of expired medicines at the premises has added another concern to the investigation. Officials reportedly seized around 30 boxes of expired medicines along with other pharmaceutical products and packaging materials.
The FDA is examining how these medicines were sourced, repackaged and allegedly distributed. Samples have been sent for laboratory testing to determine their chemical composition, potency and sterility.
16 Drug Licences Cancelled, 8 Suspended
As the investigation expanded, Karnataka FDA reportedly traced several retailers and wholesalers allegedly connected to the distribution or sale of the suspected spurious medicines.
The department has cancelled 16 drug licences and suspended eight additional licences. The action covers establishments involved in retail and wholesale pharmaceutical activities.
The cancelled licences include those belonging to several pharmacies, wholesalers and healthcare-related establishments. The regulatory action is intended to prevent potentially unsafe or counterfeit medicines from continuing to move through the supply chain.
Action Against Pfizer C&F Depot
The investigation has also resulted in action involving Pfizer. Authorities have suspended the drug licence of the Pfizer C&F depot located in the Nelamangala area of Bengaluru Rural district.
Officials have clarified that the action against the depot concerns the ongoing investigation and supply-chain issues. According to the latest reports, business transactions at the depot have been stopped until further orders.
The seized medicines reportedly carried labels resembling Pfizer products. Authorities are investigating the source and distribution chain and are seeking to establish which products are genuine and which may be spurious.
Health Minister U.T. Khader Comments on the Investigation
Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader has said that the government is taking action against establishments allegedly connected with the racket. He has also indicated that the investigation involves links extending beyond Karnataka.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is examining the wider supply chain and attempting to identify additional individuals and establishments that may have been involved. The government has also indicated that further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
Drug Licences and Seized Batches Under Scrutiny
As part of the enforcement action, the Karnataka FDA has blocked the batch numbers and relevant details of medicines seized during the investigation on its portal. The move is intended to prevent the identified batches from being sold or distributed while the investigation continues.
Laboratory testing will help authorities establish the quality and composition of the seized products. The findings can also assist investigators in determining whether the medicines meet required pharmaceutical standards.
The seized medicines, machinery, packaging materials and other evidence are expected to be presented before the appropriate court as the legal proceedings continue.
What Consumers Should Know About Fake Medicines
The Karnataka spurious drugs investigation highlights the importance of purchasing medicines through authorised and licensed pharmacies. Consumers should check packaging carefully and retain valid bills or invoices when purchasing medicines.
Unusual packaging, spelling errors, damaged seals, suspicious labels or non-functional verification codes can be reasons to seek clarification from a pharmacist or regulatory authority. However, consumers should not rely only on packaging or QR codes to determine whether a medicine is genuine.
The FDA has urged consumers to report suspicious medicines or packaging to the appropriate drug enforcement authorities.
Investigation Into Karnataka Drug Racket Continues
The Karnataka Spurious Drugs Racket case remains under investigation, with the FDA and SIT examining the alleged network from manufacturing and repackaging to wholesale and retail distribution. The cancellation of 16 drug licences and suspension of eight others, including action against the Pfizer C&F depot, represents a significant regulatory response while authorities continue to establish the full supply chain.
As laboratory reports, investigation findings and court proceedings develop, further action may follow against individuals or establishments found responsible for violations of pharmaceutical regulations.
We’re now on WhatsApp. Click to join.
Like this post?
Register at One World News to never miss out on videos, celeb interviews, and best reads.
