PTC Web Desk:  The Delhi Drugs Control Department has busted an alleged counterfeit drug racket after seizing 481 fake rabies vaccine units during raids on three premises in Bhagirath Palace, one of Delhi’s biggest medicine markets.

The seized vaccines, valued at around Rs 2 lakh, were identified as counterfeit after the original manufacturer, Human Biological Institute in Telangana, confirmed that the concerned batch had not been manufactured or supplied by the company.

The case has also led investigators to Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, where officials have conducted further raids following information provided during the Delhi investigation.

Fake Abhayrab vaccine seized

The operation was carried out after the Delhi Drugs Control Department received information about the suspected sale of counterfeit medicines.

Officials searched a sales premises and a warehouse in Bhagirath Palace and recovered 481 units of “Rabies Vaccine, Human I.P. (Purified Vero Cell Rabies Vaccine) – Abhayrab.”

The department contacted the original manufacturer to verify the batch. The company confirmed that it had not released the recovered vaccine and that the products were counterfeit.

Officials retained 120 vials as samples and seized the remaining 361 units, along with seven purchase invoices. The action was taken under relevant provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

The samples have been sent to the Central Research Institute (CRI) in Kasauli for testing and analysis.

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Counterfeit drug trail leads to Kanpur

During questioning, the Delhi-based firm allegedly told investigators that it had purchased the counterfeit vaccine from an agency in Kanpur.

The information was shared with the Uttar Pradesh Drugs Control Department, following which the UP team conducted raids at two locations in Kanpur.

According to the information provided by the Delhi department, the agency in Kanpur admitted to supplying the suspected counterfeit vaccine to Delhi.

Investigators are now working to trace the wider supply network, including the source of the fake vaccines, their distribution route and the people allegedly operating the racket.

Delhi Health Minister orders strict action

Delhi Health Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh has taken serious note of the seizure and said there would be no compromise on the quality and safety of medicines.

He stressed that rabies is a serious and potentially fatal disease and said strict action would be taken against those involved in the sale or distribution of fake and adulterated medicines.

Authorities said the investigation will continue to identify other people linked to the alleged network and determine how widely the counterfeit vaccine was distributed.

Officials have also warned that those found responsible could face legal action under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

- PTC NEWS

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