Bhopal police bust massive fake cough syrup racket in twin raids

A fake cough syrup manufacturing operation was dismantled in Bhopal on Friday. The Special Task Force (STF) raided a factory in Patel City Colony, arresting two adults and three minors. Authorities seized materials worth Rs 1 crore during the operation. The raid targeted a group repackaging expired cough syrup with new labels, batch numbers, and expiry dates. Police found 4,000 empty bottles at the site, along with production equipment. The main accused, Aqueel Khan, was placed in five-day custody for questioning.

During interrogation, Khan disclosed a second location in Mubarakpur. On Saturday evening, the STF recovered 23,124 fake bottles there, including 22,154 Off-Kuff and 970 Onrex bottles valued at Rs 50 lakh. Investigators believe the counterfeit syrup was distributed to rural areas near Bhopal. Police are now tracing the source of the expired materials and mapping the supply network. The operation remains ongoing as authorities seek further leads.

The bust has disrupted a large-scale fake medicine ring in central India. Over 23,000 bottles were confiscated, with investigations continuing into the supply chain. The accused face charges related to counterfeit drug production and distribution.