Delhi Police bust major counterfeit cancer drug smuggling racket

The Delhi Police Crime Branch has uncovered a major criminal network involved in the smuggling and sale of counterfeit, adulterated, and unapproved life-saving cancer medications. Investigations revealed a sophisticated racket operating across multiple states, involving drugs worth approximately 9 crore rupees.

Authorities arrested 39-year-old Manish Sharma, an MBBS graduate from Russia who failed to pass the medical licensing exam in India. Sharma allegedly operated HK Polyclinic and HK Pharmaceuticals in Faridabad, using platforms like IndiaMART to target desperate patients. Police seized various medications, including ICLUSIG, Human Albumin Solution, and DARZALEX, some of which were reportedly manufactured in Turkey and smuggled into India.

A critical finding from laboratory testing in Germany revealed that some high-priced injections, such as Bavencio, contained almost zero active ingredients. Instead, the vials were filled with water and dangerous bacteria, including E. coli. Criminals reportedly used syringes to extract the original medicine from vials and refilled them with contaminated water before resealing them to sell on the black market. To date, 17 individuals have been arrested in connection with this syndicate.