Fake Prescription Medicines Found in Large Quantity
Delhi Police have arrested two men and uncovered a large-scale illegal manufacturing unit producing counterfeit prescription skin medicines. The operation led to the seizure of more than 7,500 fake ointment tubes and raw material worth approximately ₹2.3 crore, raising serious concerns about public health and patient safety.
Large-Scale Seizure of Counterfeit Skin Medicines
According to the Crime Branch of Delhi Police, the illegal factory was operating from Mirpur Hindu village in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. During the raid, officials recovered:
- Around 1,200 tubes of Betnovate-C
- Nearly 2,700 tubes of Clop-G
- About 3,700 tubes of Skinshine
- Over 22,000 empty counterfeit Clop-G tubes
- More than 350 kg of semi-prepared and finished spurious ointments
- Chemical ingredients and manufacturing machinery
Altogether, the seized items were valued at roughly ₹2.3 crore.
How the Fake Ointment Racket Bust Unfolded
The fake ointment racket bust followed an earlier crackdown by the Crime Branch’s cyber cell at Teliwara, a well-known wholesale hub for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics in north Delhi’s Sadar Bazar. There, police intercepted a large consignment of fake prescription-only ointments.
Further investigation traced the supply chain back to the Ghaziabad-based factory, where the counterfeit medicines were being manufactured without any legal approval.
Why Counterfeit Ointments Are a Serious Health Risk
Senior police officials highlighted that medicines such as Betnovate-C and Clop-G are commonly prescribed for skin allergies, infections, and sports-related injuries. However, when produced illegally, these drugs may contain incorrect ingredients, unsafe steroid levels, or harmful contaminants.
As a result, their use can lead to worsening skin conditions, delayed treatment, steroid misuse, and long-term health complications, especially when patients unknowingly apply fake products.
Arrests Made and Legal Action Initiated
Two individuals, Gaurav Bhagat (42) and Shree Ram (27), were arrested at the site. They have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Importantly, drug inspectors from both Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, along with authorised representatives of pharmaceutical companies, examined the seized products on-site. All samples were confirmed to be counterfeit and not manufactured by the original brands. The accused also failed to produce any valid licence to manufacture, store, or sell medicines.
Ongoing Investigation to Break the Supply Chain
Following the fake ointment racket bust, police have stated that further raids and inquiries are underway. Authorities are now focusing on identifying wholesalers, distributors, delivery handlers, and retail sellers involved in circulating these fake medicines across the market.
Conclusion
- For both doctors and patients, this case is a strong reminder to remain vigilant. Prescription medicines should always be purchased from licensed pharmacies, and any unusual packaging, pricing, or product effects should be reported immediately.
- From a public health perspective, strict enforcement and awareness are essential to prevent counterfeit medicines from reaching vulnerable patients.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 15 December 2025
- 20:00
