Cancer Drug Racket Busted: Counterfeits Sold to Patients

Authorities in Delhi have dismantled a significant counterfeit anti-cancer drug operation, leading to the arrest of 17 people. The apprehended individuals, including four hospital employees, are accused of distributing fake and diverted cancer medications to patients in six major Indian cities.

The illicit trade involved multiple sourcing methods. These included diverting drugs from government health schemes and warehouses, stealing vials and packaging materials from private hospitals, and manufacturing counterfeit versions of expensive medications. The fake drugs were reportedly made using sterilized water and imitation packaging with falsified batch numbers.

This operation highlights severe vulnerabilities in drug disposal and hospital oversight. The seized medicines include critical treatments such as Keytruda, Opdyta, and Darzalex, which are vital for various blood and solid cancers. These drugs typically cost between Rs 15,000 and Rs 2 lakh per vial.

Investigations are ongoing into the diversion of anti-cancer drugs from Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) stocks, particularly in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh. Police are questioning government employees at CGHS centers to understand how these vital medicines entered the black market.