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In one of the largest crackdowns against counterfeit and illegally traded medicines in Uttar Pradesh, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has seized fake, expired, government-supplied, and physician-sample medicines worth more than Rs.3.63 crore in Agra under the Yogi Adityanath government's zero-tolerance policy.

The massive enforcement drive, led by FSDA Commissioner Dr. Roshan Jacob, resulted in the sealing of eight illegal warehouses, registration of six FIRs, and legal action against multiple individuals allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade.

Two-Phase Enforcement Drive

Special teams comprising 25 drug inspectors, constituted by the FSDA headquarters in Lucknow, conducted extensive raids across Agra between May 22–24 and June 12–14, 2026.

The inspections covered major pharmaceutical trading hubs and warehouses located in Khatri Gali, Fawwara, Sanjay Place, Kamla Nagar, Jhulelal Market, Dayalbagh, and other prominent commercial areas. More than 20 medicine firms, 12 warehouses, and several suspicious premises were searched during the operation.

Authorities recovered large quantities of physician samples marked “Not for Sale,” government hospital medicines, defense supply drugs, expired medicines, and suspected counterfeit pharmaceutical products.

Government Intensifies Action Against Drug Mafia

Leading the second phase of the operation, Dr. Roshan Jacob stated that ensuring safe and high-quality medicines for citizens remains the government's top priority.

She said the six-day special campaign uncovered illegal networks involved in the manufacture, storage, and distribution of counterfeit medicines. So far, medicines worth Rs.3.63 crore have been seized, six FIRs registered, and eight warehouses sealed.

“The campaign against drug mafias, counterfeit medicine networks, and those endangering public health will continue with full force,” she said.

Why Agra Was Under Special Surveillance

According to FSDA officials, counterfeit drug networks extend beyond Uttar Pradesh and are linked to supply chains operating across multiple states.

Dr. Jacob noted that Uttar Pradesh is India's largest pharmaceutical market, supported by an extensive wholesale and retail distribution network, strong expressway connectivity, proximity to Delhi, and a vast consumer base. Agra has emerged as a major transit and distribution hub from where medicine consignments are routed to cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, and other major markets.

Based on intelligence gathered over several months, authorities executed the operation through a carefully planned strategy.

Rs.2.5 Crore Worth of Medicines Recovered from Warehouses Linked to Jyoti Drug House

During raids conducted on May 22 and 23, officials searched two illegal warehouses linked to M/s Jyoti Drug House in Jhulelal Market and recovered medicines worth approximately Rs.2.5 crore.

Investigators found large quantities of physician samples, government and defense-supply medicines, as well as life-saving injections and vaccines stored without proper cold-chain facilities. Several samples were collected for testing, while the remaining stock was sealed.

FIRs were registered against Narayan Das Hansrajani, Kishore Mehta, Puneet Katara, and others under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Fake Oxalgin-DP Drug Network Busted

The investigation also uncovered an organized counterfeit drug network linked to the manufacture and distribution of fake Oxalgin-DP Tablets.

The probe began following a complaint from pharmaceutical company Zydus Lifesciences and expanded from Agra to Aligarh and Roorkee in Uttarakhand.

Using mobile chats, call records, digital evidence, packaging materials, and printing remnants, investigators traced a coordinated operation involved in producing and supplying counterfeit medicines.

A sealed warehouse belonging to Shri Medical Agencies yielded medicines worth approximately Rs.50 lakh. Named FIRs were registered against Surendra Gupta, Mayank Gupta, Annu Arora, and Saiyam Arora.

Fresh Violations Found During June Raids

In the second phase of the operation conducted between June 12 and 14, FSDA teams inspected 20 pharmaceutical firms and 12 warehouses. Four warehouses were subsequently sealed for serious violations.

One of the most significant cases involved Gaurav Medico in Khatri Gali. Authorities found that the drug license for a registered warehouse had already been cancelled, yet the premises continued to be used illegally through another entity, M/s CF Enterprises.

Medicines worth nearly Rs.40 lakh, including physician samples, government-supplied drugs, and expired stock, were recovered during the inspection.

Illegal Warehouses Operating Without Licenses

A raid at the residence of Manish Panjwani in Dayalbagh led to the seizure of government-supplied medicines, insulin, and other life-saving drugs stored without valid licenses.

Officials also discovered evidence of relabeling and price manipulation. Medicines worth around Rs.5.2 lakh were confiscated.

Similarly, authorities recovered physician samples worth nearly Rs.12 lakh from two illegal warehouses operated by Sumit Madhwani and medicines worth approximately Rs.15 lakh from a warehouse linked to Sumit Gupta. FIRs have been filed in both cases.

Cold Chain Violations Raise Public Health Concerns

The enforcement teams also found insulin, rabies vaccines, and other temperature-sensitive medicines stored without mandatory cold-chain infrastructure at several locations.

Experts warned that improper storage can render such medicines ineffective and pose serious risks to patients. The seized stock has been sent to laboratories for detailed testing.

Notices Issued to Warehouse Operators

The FSDA has issued notices to the license holders of four sealed warehouses. Officials said that if the concerned individuals fail to cooperate with the investigation, the premises will be reopened in the presence of police and district authorities for further legal action.

Dr. Roshan Jacob also held meetings with medical associations, pharmaceutical traders, warehouse owners, and district officials in Agra. She directed authorities to verify all wholesale establishments, cancel long-inactive licenses, identify illegal tenants, and ensure that every licensed business prominently displays its license number.

The crackdown is being viewed as one of the most significant anti-counterfeit drug operations undertaken in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the government's intensified efforts to curb illegal pharmaceutical activities and safeguard public health.