The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has dismantled a counterfeit medicine network involving approximately 15,000 fake blood pressure tablets. Three individuals have been arrested as authorities trace the supply chain from Lucknow to Gujarat.

  • Approximately 15,000 counterfeit 'Nicardia Retard 10' tablets were sold to patients.
  • Three suspects, including a medical store associate and two residents of Lucknow, were arrested.
  • The counterfeit supply chain originated in Uttarakhand and moved through Lucknow to Gujarat.
  • Authorities have seized 1,200 counterfeit strips so far.

In a major crackdown on pharmaceutical fraud, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch, in coordination with the Food and Drugs Department, has uncovered a massive network distributing counterfeit blood pressure medication. Investigations reveal that nearly 1,500 strips of fake NICARDIA RETARD 10 tablets—totaling approximately 15,000 pills—were circulated among unsuspecting patients over the last four months.

The Investigation and Arrests

The operation was triggered following a complaint regarding suspicious medication at Lilavati Pharmacy and Wellness Private Limited in Ahmedabad's Satellite area. Following a detailed probe, police arrested Darshil Sanghvi, associated with Parshva Medical Store, along with Devendra Yadav and Umang Rastogi, both residents of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Investigators allege that Sanghvi distributed the counterfeit stock despite knowing its fraudulent nature, motivated by an 18% commission per transaction.

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The counterfeit drugs, bearing batch number ACG25007 and falsely claiming to be manufactured by JB Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Limited, were distributed to at least 11 pharmacies across Ahmedabad. The supply network was found to be highly organized, with the stock being transported from Uttarakhand to Lucknow before being sent to Gujarat.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the infiltration of counterfeit life-saving medication into the legitimate supply chain poses a catastrophic risk to public health. Unlike other fraudulent goods, fake cardiac medication can lead to immediate fatalities, making this a high-stakes criminal enterprise that targets the most vulnerable patients.

The sophistication of counterfeit packaging makes these life-threatening pills nearly indistinguishable from genuine medication for the average consumer.

The distribution was not limited to Ahmedabad; the network extended to Surat, Bhavnagar, Nadiad, and Bhuj. Out of the 2,700 strips sent to Ahmedabad, 1,200 have been recovered, while 1,500 are believed to have already reached the market. The Ahmedabad Metro Court has granted the accused seven days of police remand.

Historical Background

Counterfeit pharmaceuticals have long been a global challenge. In India, the complexity of the multi-layered distribution system provides loopholes for organized crime syndicates. Regulatory bodies like the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) are constantly working to tighten track-and-trace technologies to combat this growing menace.

Did You Know?: Counterfeiters often use high-quality printing presses to mimic the exact textures and holographic seals of genuine pharmaceutical brands to evade detection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which specific medicine was found to be counterfeit?
The counterfeit medicine was identified as NICARDIA RETARD 10 TABLET.

2. Where did the supply originate?
The investigation suggests the supply chain started in Uttarakhand and moved through Lucknow before reaching Gujarat.