Fake Liver Medicine Racket Busted In UP: 5 Booked For Selling Counterfeit Liv-52; Check If Its Real Or Fake

The Uttar Pradesh police in Ghaziabad has busted a major racket on the fake liver medicine across several districts.

Officials confirmed the development on Sunday, February 8, after weeks of investigation into the supply chain of spurious medicines.

The case came to light after a complaint was filed by the Himalaya company on January 3, alleging that counterfeit versions of its widely used liver supplement 'Liv 52' were being circulated in the market.

The fake products were reportedly being supplied from Muradnagar and distributed to local shops in Aligarh, raising serious concerns about public health and safety.

One must know that - Himalaya Liv.52 is an Ayurvedic formulation known for its liver-protective and antioxidant properties. It is commonly used to support liver health, aid recovery, and help regenerate liver function. The medicine is prescribed for conditions such as viral hepatitis, fatty liver, alcoholic liver disease, and liver damage caused by certain medications. It also helps boost appetite, enhance digestion, and assist the liver in its natural detoxification process.

Fake Medicines Produced at Low Cost, Sold for High Profits

Following the complaint, Ghaziabad police launched a detailed probe to trace the origin and distribution network of the counterfeit drugs.

Investigators discovered that the fake medicines were being manufactured in parts of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh at a very low production cost and then sold at steep margins.

According to police findings, one box of counterfeit tablets cost the accused between ₹35 and ₹40 to produce. These were then sold to retailers for ₹110 to ₹115 per box.

In comparison, the original Himalaya Liv 52 product retails at around ₹280 per box, making the fake products attractive to sellers looking for higher profit margins.

Authorities said the accused targeted local retailers by offering them significant commissions, thereby ensuring that the fake medicines made their way into small pharmacies and shops without raising suspicion.

Police Recover 50,000 Fake Tablets, Probe Continues

During the operation, the police recovered nearly 50,000 counterfeit tablets and questioned multiple suspects believed to be involved in the racket. Some of those interrogated reportedly admitted their role in the illegal supply chain, providing crucial leads for further investigation.

Officials suspect that the network may be wider than initially believed, with possible links to other regions and distributors. The police are now working to identify all individuals involved in the production, packaging, and distribution of the fake medicines.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Tewari stated that the investigation is still underway. "Our investigation is ongoing, and we are looking into other individuals involved. We are examining every aspect of the operation, and further action will be taken accordingly," he said.

The bust has once again highlighted the growing menace of counterfeit medicines in the market and the risks they pose to unsuspecting consumers. Authorities have urged the public and retailers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products to prevent such rackets from thriving.

How To Check If Liv 52 Real Or Fake?

• Check packaging quality - original Liv.52 has clear printing, proper logo, and no spelling mistakes.
• Look for batch number, manufacturing date, expiry date, and MRP on the box/bottle.
• Check seal and hologram - genuine products usually have a proper seal or authenticity sticker.
• Scan barcode/QR code (if available) to verify product details.
• Compare with an original pack - colour, bottle quality, and label should match.
• Be cautious if the price is too low compared to the market rate.
• Buy only from licensed pharmacies or trusted online stores.
• Contact Himalaya customer care with batch details to confirm authenticity.
• Do not use the product if you suspect it is fake; report it to authorities or the company.