FSDA Raids Unlicensed Unit Near Hejjala, Seizes Spurious Drugs Worth ₹5 Crore

The Enforcement Wing of Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) Department has unearthed an alleged racket involved in the manufacture, repackaging, and labelling of spurious medicines near Hejjala, close to Bidadi in Ramanagara district.

Acting on specific information, enforcement officers conducted a raid on Tuesday at a facility situated near the Bidadi toll gate. During the operation, officials discovered medicines being repacked and labelled under the brand names of prominent multinational pharmaceutical companies.

The total value of the seized drugs is estimated at around ₹5 crore, according to Health Minister U.T. Khader. The minister stated that the unit was operating without a valid licence to manufacture pharmaceutical products.

The discovery has triggered serious concerns regarding the infiltration of counterfeit drugs into the broader pharmaceutical supply chain, with labels deliberately designed to mimic genuine products from reputable companies.

Enforcement officials are currently examining the seized drugs and other materials recovered from the site. A detailed investigation is underway to identify the origin of the raw materials, the full scale of the manufacturing operation, and the distribution network used to circulate the counterfeit products.

The raid occurred amid a wider state-level crackdown aimed at tightening surveillance across pharmaceutical supply chains and enforcing stricter food and drug safety standards across Karnataka.

Alongside drug enforcement, the FSDA has recently expanded inspections across various food establishments, ranging from roadside eateries to luxury hotels, government canteens, and quick-commerce supply warehouses. Authorities have reported multiple safety violations during these drives, including expired items and improper storage conditions.

To curb safety violations, the state government is also introducing a reporting mechanism where pharmacies, restaurants, and food establishments will display QR codes, enabling consumers to report suspected counterfeit medicines and substandard food directly to authorities.