Major Drug Racket Exposed: Delhi Police Take Action
The Delhi Police Crime Branch has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against counterfeit pharmaceuticals by dismantling a large-scale spurious drug operation based in Mirpur village, Loni, Ghaziabad. This comprehensive operation, executed on December 14, 2025, followed in-depth technical surveillance and information gathered by the Cyber Cell of the Crime Branch.
Operation Details and Seizures
Officials revealed that the factory was producing counterfeit versions of several Schedule-H medicated creams, including Betnovate-C, Clop-G, and Skinshine. These creams are typically available only through a prescription and are widely used for treating skin infections, allergies, and sports-related injuries. Preliminary assessments estimate the value of the seized phony medications and raw materials to be around ₹2.3 crore.
Arrests Made and Historical Context
As part of the operation, the police detained two individuals: Gaurav Bhagat, a Ghaziabad local, and Shree Ram, also known as Vishal Gupta, from Sabhapur in northeast Delhi. Investigators believe this illegal operation has been in operation since at least 2019, distributing its counterfeit products across wholesale and retail markets, particularly in Sadar Bazar, a key pharmaceutical hub in the Delhi-NCR region.
The operation began with a raid in Sadar Bazar, where a team led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Anil Sharma discovered a stockpile of counterfeit ointments. This initial discovery set off a chain of investigations that ultimately led to the identification of the Ghaziabad manufacturing facility.
Details of the Manufacturing Setup
At the site in Mirpur, authorities uncovered a well-equipped underground production facility stocked with mixing tanks, filling machines, and packing lines. The raid yielded over 12,000 tubes of fake Betnovate-C, more than 2,700 tubes of counterfeit Clop-G, and upwards of 3,700 tubes of Skinshine. Additionally, nearly 22,000 empty tubes ready for filling, along with more than 350 kg of semi-prepared ointments, bulk chemicals, and packaging materials were seized.
Drug inspectors from both Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, in concert with representatives from pharmaceutical companies, confirmed that none of these products were produced by registered manufacturers. The operation was flagged as illegal under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, as the facility did not hold the necessary licenses to manufacture, store, or sell pharmaceutical products.
Health Risks and Ongoing Investigations
Authorities have raised alarms about the public health risks posed by these counterfeit steroid-based creams. Patients who unknowingly use these products may experience serious side effects such as skin thinning, infections, allergic reactions, and other complications related to steroid use. Investigators are now delving deeper into the supply chain, tracking down wholesalers and retailers who may have received products from this illicit operation, and assessing their level of awareness regarding the counterfeit nature of the stock.
The case has been registered under pertinent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and further arrests are anticipated as investigators continue to uncover the network behind this operation, including any potential financial backers.
Conclusion
The crackdown on this spurious drug factory highlights the ongoing challenge of counterfeit pharmaceuticals in India and underscores the commitment of law enforcement to protect public health. Continued vigilance and active investigations are crucial to dismantling these networks and ensuring that safe, authentic medications reach those in need.
