Counterfeit Drug Network Involving Tanishq Jha Busted in Delhi
On September 1, 2025, a major counterfeit drug network was dismantled in Lajpat Nagar, Delhi, leading to the arrest of several individuals, including Anirudh Rai, who was caught delivering a package containing Tramadol premix.
The police had laid a trap to catch the courier, which resulted in the discovery of a broader network linking suppliers in Uttarakhand to traders in Delhi and a manufacturer in Bihar. This operation has raised significant concerns about the safety of pharmaceuticals in the region.
Authorities reported that Tanishq Jha’s factory in Patna was producing counterfeit medicines after its license had expired. This factory was part of a supply chain that involved various players, including brokers and transporters, who facilitated the movement of these illegal drugs.
According to police reports, Amit allegedly stored 20 kilograms of Tramadol premix in his warehouse in Roorkee, while Prashant acted as an intermediary connecting suppliers to buyers across North India. The police seized counterfeit medicines and psychotropic drugs worth nearly Rs 50 crore during the operation.
A senior Crime Branch officer stated, “The goal was to trace the supply chain behind the material,” highlighting the complexity of the network. The investigation revealed that when factories shut down or excess stock remains in warehouses, middlemen often attempt to move the material quickly.
Further insights from an officer close to the investigation indicated that the profits from these operations would be shared between the middlemen and the traders who sourced the material. The network’s structure involved suppliers of raw materials, brokers, transporters, and manufacturing units, all contributing to the production of counterfeit drugs.
The pharmaceutical belt around Roorkee has many small manufacturers that emerged after Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh, making it a hotspot for such illegal activities. The police are continuing their investigation to identify all individuals involved in this extensive operation.
As the situation develops, officials are urging the public to remain vigilant regarding the authenticity of pharmaceuticals. Details remain unconfirmed as further investigations are underway.
