Delhi Crime Branch Busts Interstate Anti-Cancer Drug Racket, 17 Arrested; Medicines Worth Rs 9 Crore Seized

August 20, 2026

New Delhi: The Delhi Police Crime Branch has busted an interstate syndicate allegedly involved in the illegal procurement, diversion, storage and sale of counterfeit and illegally obtained high-value anti-cancer medicines, arresting 17 people and recovering medicines worth around Rs 9 crore, officials said.

The operation was carried out by the Inter-State Cell of the Crime Branch, which recovered 588 filled anti-cancer medicine vials, six empty vials, seven empty medicine boxes and 3,021 units of other medicines.

Police also seized around Rs 50 lakh in cash, along with electronic devices, registers, diaries and packaging material.

Interstate network spread across several states

According to police, the alleged syndicate operated across Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and other locations.

The arrested accused allegedly included medicine traders, intermediaries and people working in hospitals. Investigators suspect that some members of the network were involved in diverting medicines from hospitals and supplying them to other members of the syndicate.

Major recovery during raids

Police said a significant recovery was made from accused Anand Kumar, from whose possession and premises 337 anti-cancer medicine vials and a large quantity of other medicines were recovered.

Another accused, Deepak alias Ravi, was allegedly found in possession of 108 vials and Rs 6.50 lakh at his residence.

The case was registered at the Crime Branch police station on July 12 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Crime Branch receives information about racket

The investigation began after police received specific information on June 22 about an organised network allegedly involved in procuring, storing and supplying counterfeit and high-value anti-cancer medicines on a large scale.

During verification, investigators identified several suspected locations in East Delhi, Rohini and Mumbai.

On July 11, seven teams of the Inter-State Cell conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations in Delhi and Navi Mumbai in coordination with the Drugs Department and local police.

Medicines including Darzalex, Imfinzi, Erbitux, Opdyta, Gazyva, Bavencio, Adcetris and Keytruda were recovered during the searches.

Three alleged sources of medicines

According to investigators, the syndicate allegedly obtained medicines through three main channels — counterfeit medicines sourced from unauthorised sellers, medicines allegedly diverted from hospitals meant for cancer patients, and medicines allegedly diverted from government institutions and warehouses.

Police said the medicines were allegedly procured without valid invoices, purchase records, drug licences or other mandatory documents.

The medicines were then allegedly stored at residential and other locations before being supplied through a network of intermediaries.

Cartons allegedly reused for repackaging

Investigators also found that original cartons and empty medicine boxes were allegedly retained and reused for repackaging.

Police said batch numbers, MRP details and other identifying markings were allegedly removed using chemicals such as acetone to conceal the source and identity of the medicines.

Thermocol boxes, bubble rolls, adhesive tape and polythene were allegedly used to prepare consignments. Registers and diaries containing details of medicine transactions and cash dealings were also recovered.

Investigation continues

The Crime Branch is now working to trace the complete supply and distribution network, identify the alleged end beneficiaries and examine the financial trail.

Police said further arrests and recoveries are likely as the investigation progresses.