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The Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration (FDA) has intensified its crackdown on an alleged counterfeit medicine racket, cancelling the licences of 16 pharmaceutical establishments and suspending eight others, including Pfizer’s wholesale depot in Nelamangala. The action follows the seizure of suspected spurious medicines, repackaging machinery and forged labels worth approximately ₹5.05 crore during a raid at a farmhouse in Bidadi.
The investigation has raised concerns about the alleged relabelling of low-cost medicines as expensive, imported life-saving drugs and the potential risks posed to patients. Authorities are examining the supply chain and the involvement of pharmaceutical distributors and retailers.
Bidadi Farmhouse Raid Uncovers Alleged Fake Drug Operation
The Karnataka FDA’s Drug Enforcement Wing conducted a raid on August 18, 2026, at a farmhouse in Kurubarakeranahalli, near Bidadi in Bengaluru South district. Officials reportedly discovered an unlicensed pharmaceutical repacking and relabelling facility operating from the premises.
During the operation, authorities seized medicines, filling machinery, printing materials, forged labels and other items valued at around ₹5.05 crore. The preliminary investigation indicated that medicines procured from neighbouring states were allegedly being refilled into new vials and relabelled to resemble expensive imported pharmaceutical brands.
The products reportedly included medicines marketed under the names of multinational pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer. Authorities are investigating how the suspected counterfeit products were manufactured, stored and introduced into the distribution network.
Medicines Worth ₹5.05 Crore Seized During Investigation
According to reports, the seized stock included 5,640 vials of CEFIAVIGENT 2.5 Injection, valued at approximately ₹3.38 crore, and 1,531 vials of HIZLAM Injectables, worth around ₹52.24 lakh.
Officials also recovered expired medicines valued at approximately ₹35 lakh, along with additional injections, packaging equipment and printing materials. Around 30 boxes of expired medicines were reportedly found at the premises.
The discovery of expired medicines has added another concern to the investigation, as authorities examine whether such products could have been reintroduced into the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Samples of the seized medicines have been sent for laboratory testing to determine their chemical composition, sterility and potency. The test results are expected to help investigators establish the nature of the products and identify possible violations.
Pfizer Depot Among Eight Establishments Facing Suspension
The Karnataka FDA has suspended the licence of Pfizer’s C&F depot located at Kempanalinganahalli in Nelamangala taluk, Bengaluru Rural district. Seven other establishments have also faced licence suspension as part of the regulatory action.
The suspended establishments include:
- Med Pharma
- Surya Speciality Hospital
- Sagar Pharma Unit-II
- Vivantha Pharmaceuticals
- Maruthi Medicals
- Viva Pharma
- Hi-5 Pharma
- Pfizer Ltd
The department has stated that the action involves retail and wholesale establishments allegedly linked to the distribution or sale of suspected spurious medicines.
According to Health Minister U T Khader, business transactions at Pfizer’s C&F depot have been stopped until further orders. Officials have clarified that Pfizer’s drug stocks were not seized as part of the action against the depot.
FDA Cancels Licences of 16 Pharmaceutical Firms
In addition to suspending eight licences, Karnataka’s drug regulatory authorities have cancelled the licences of 16 establishments. The affected businesses include wholesalers and retailers operating in Bengaluru and other parts of the state.
The regulatory action forms part of the investigation into the alleged supply and sale of counterfeit medicines. Authorities are examining the role of individual establishments in the distribution chain and determining whether they handled or supplied suspected spurious products.
The FDA has also blocked the batch numbers and relevant details of seized medicines on its portal. This step is intended to prevent the further sale or distribution of the products while the investigation continues.
SIT Investigates Interstate Supply Chain
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is investigating the wider counterfeit drug network. The probe is focusing on the alleged sourcing of medicines from other states, their repackaging at the Bidadi facility and their subsequent distribution through wholesalers and retailers.
Officials are also examining the use of forged labels and non-functional QR or scanning codes reportedly found on counterfeit packaging. These findings have raised questions about product authenticity and the reliability of medicine verification systems.
A criminal case has been registered under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The seized medicines, machinery and printing materials are being documented for further legal proceedings before the Judicial Magistrate First Class court in Bengaluru South.
Health Department Issues Warning to Consumers
Karnataka authorities have advised consumers to purchase medicines, particularly life-saving drugs, only from licensed pharmacies. Patients have also been encouraged to obtain valid tax invoices when purchasing medicines.
The FDA has urged the public to report suspicious packaging, unusual labelling and QR codes that fail to scan to drug enforcement authorities.
The government has maintained that medicines supplied to government hospitals are safe. Meanwhile, the investigation continues, with authorities working to identify additional individuals and businesses potentially connected to the alleged counterfeit drug operation.
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Conclusion
The Karnataka fake drug racket investigation has resulted in the cancellation of 16 drug licences and the suspension of eight others, including Pfizer’s Nelamangala depot. The seizure of medicines and repackaging equipment worth ₹5.05 crore has highlighted concerns over counterfeit pharmaceutical distribution.
With laboratory testing and an SIT investigation underway, authorities are working to establish the extent of the alleged network. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and purchase medicines through authorised channels while the legal process continues.
