In a major crackdown on counterfeit health products, the Delhi Police Crime Branch recently unearthed a fully operational fake antacid manufacturing unit in the north Delhi area of Ibrahimpur. The raid led to the arrest of two individuals, Sandeep Jain (45) and Jitender alias Chotu (23), both residents of Ibrahimpur, and the seizure of over 91,000 counterfeit sachets of ENO antacid, raw materials, packaging items, and equipment.
This operation signifies a significant step in efforts to curb the illegal production and distribution of substandard medicines, which pose serious risks to public health and safety. The police action was triggered by a complaint from an authorized antacid manufacturer, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by illicit trade in consumer health products.
The ongoing investigation aims to dismantle the broader supply chain involved in this criminal activity, with authorities emphasizing the danger of such counterfeit goods entering the market.
Details of the Raid and seized items
On October 25, 2025, Delhi Police carried out a surprise raid in the Ibrahimpur area, uncovering a clandestine unit manufacturing counterfeit ENO antacids, a popular over-the-counter remedy for indigestion and acidity. The police recovered an alarming quantity of fake medicines, with 91,257 sachets of spurious products seized during the operation.
The operation also yielded 80 kilograms of raw materials, 13 kilograms of printed rolls bearing the original brand’s logo, 54,780 counterfeit stickers, 2,100 empty sachets, and a sachet-filling machine.
The counterfeit unit was found to replicate the original product’s packaging meticulously, using semi-automatic machinery set up in rented premises. Police officials stated that the operation was run with precision, mimicking the authentic manufacturing process to deceive consumers and suppliers.
The fake sachets were ready for large-scale circulation and could have easily entered the supply chain, risking the health of unsuspecting consumers. The arrested individuals are believed to be key operators of this illegal enterprise, responsible for producing the counterfeit sachets and organizing their distribution. The police have remanded both suspects to two days custody for further interrogations.
The magnified threat of counterfeit consumer goods
This raid is part of an alarming pattern of counterfeit manufacturing units producing fake pharmaceuticals and health-related products across India. In recent months, authorities have busted several such operations, including factories producing fake toothpaste and powders.
In August 2025, a Gujarat-based factory was found manufacturing counterfeit Colgate toothpaste on a large scale. The proliferation of such fake products is driven by the high demand for affordable medicines and health supplements, but their widespread availability severely endangers public safety.
Counterfeit products oftennyal use convincing packaging and branding, making it difficult for even seasoned consumers to differentiate between genuine and fake. Fake antacids, in particular, can be dangerous if they contain harmful chemicals, incorrect dosages, or impure ingredients-leading to health issues such as stomach irritation, allergic reactions, or even long-term health complications.
Experts warn that these illegal units tend to operate in small, covert facilities, continuously evolving their production techniques to evade detection, which complicates enforcement efforts.
Broader Context and recent developments
The prevalence of counterfeit health products is not limited to Delhi but is a nationwide issue, with law enforcement agencies regularly uncovering clandestine factories across various states. The Indian pharmaceutical sector, despite its rapid growth, faces challenges in regulating illegal manufacturing units that operate in unlicensed premises and often evade standard quality checks.
Besides health risks, these operations cause significant financial losses to legitimate businesses and erode consumer trust.
Official reports reveal that these counterfeit units often use rented spaces and employ workers with little to no regulatory oversight, making it difficult to trace supply chains and prevent their activities. The government has announced initiatives to strengthen surveillance, impose harsher penalties on offenders, and deploy advanced technology like QR-codes for tracking genuine products.
Nonetheless, given the high demand for quick and cheaper alternatives, combating this menace remains a persistent challenge.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian firmly condemns the proliferation of counterfeit health products, which undermine public health and betray consumer trust. Such illegal activities not only threaten individual safety but also distort the healthcare ecosystem, making it vital for authorities and society to work together comprehensively.
We believe in fostering awareness among consumers about the importance of purchasing from trusted sources and adhering to quality standards.
This incident also underscores the importance of government action in tightening regulations and leveraging technological innovations to make counterfeit detection more efficient.
As responsible citizens, it is essential to stay vigilant, report suspicious activities, and support legitimate businesses that adhere to safety standards. The fight against counterfeit medicines is a collective responsibility-one that demands coordinated efforts from law enforcement, policymakers, manufacturers, and the community.
