Counterfeits of these cancer medicines have been seized

In a major crackdown, the Delhi Police’s ISC Crime Branch has dismantled a counterfeit life-saving cancer chemotherapy drugs operation. Seven individuals were arrested, including two employees of a renowned cancer hospital in the capital.

The police also seized cash amounting to ₹4 crore. The counterfeit medicines recovered were from seven international and two Indian brands.

The operation involved simultaneous raids at four locations across Delhi and Gurugram. The ringleader was apprehended at DLF Capital Greens in Moti Nagar, New Delhi, where the counterfeit cancer medicines were being produced. The accused had rented two EWS flats for the manufacture and refilling of vials of counterfeit cancer medicine.

The police seized 140 filled vials of counterfeit cancer injections of brands such as Opdyta, Keytruda, Dextrose, and Fluconazole. They also recovered ₹50,000 & $1000, three cap sealing machines, one heat gun machine, and 197 empty vials and packaging material.

Other arrested individuals were involved in refilling and packaging the vials.

Another raid took place at a flat in South City, Gurugram, where a large stockpile of counterfeit cancer injections and vials was discovered. The police recovered 137 vials of counterfeit cancer injections of brands including Keytruda, Infinzi, Tecentriq, Perjeta, Opdyta, Darzalex & Erbitux, and 519 empty vials and 864 empty packaging boxes.

A cash counting machine, ₹89 lakh and $18,000 in cash were also seized. The recovered drugs, worth ₹2.15 crore, belonged to seven international brands. Another individual managing the supply chain was also arrested.

A further raid was conducted at Yamuna Vihar, North-East Delhi, resulting in the arrest of an individual who arranged and refilled empty vials. The police recovered 20 empty vials at this location.

The crime branch also raided a reputable cancer hospital in the capital, arresting two individuals who supplied empty vials for ₹5,000 each. Empty vials and packaging material were also seized.

The ringleader would refill empty vials with “Fluconozol”, an anti-fungal drug, which cost him ₹100. After repackaging, he would sell these in the market for between ₹1 to 3 lakh. Another accused would refill empty vials for further supply as per orders from the ringleader.

An accused arrested from a reputable cancer hospital would supply these injections to patients under the guise of selling expensive injections at an affordable rate. He also targeted foreigners through his medical tourism company to sell counterfeit chemotherapy injections. His cousin, who was involved in supplying counterfeit injections in the market, was also arrested.

Another accused ran a pharmacy shop where these injections were sold. He also sold empty vials, which he obtained from two other accused working at a cancer hospital in New Delhi. The final accused was directly working with the ringleader, working as a laboratory technician and supplying counterfeit medicines in Bhagirath Place. The customers were assigned by the ringleader.

The Delhi Police has filed an FIR under sections 274, 275, 276, 420, 468, 471, 120B and 34 of the IPC. Further investigation is underway.