Counterfeit medicines: Major raid uncovers racket, with fears for medical supply contamination

Indian authorities are investigating a suspected counterfeit medicine racket in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. In August, raids on a warehouse near the city of Bengaluru seized drugs and packaging materials worth nearly 50 million rupees (approximately £420,000). This operation triggered a series of related raids in 10 other states, which continued throughout September. Investigators believe that the suspected counterfeit medications could have entered the supply chains of 90 hospitals and clinics around the city. It is currently unclear whether any patients have been harmed as a result. The August 18 raid uncovered forged labels and packaging materials bearing the names of several established pharmaceutical companies. These were thought to have been switched with cheaper and possibly counterfeit drugs, including injectable antibiotics and other critical care medication.