After Gurgaon’s Rs 70 lakh fake Mounjaro seizure, more stocks found in Hyderabad; Racket may span multiple states

The investigation into the circulation of fake Mounjaro injections has widened beyond the National Capital Region (NCR), with authorities confirming that part of the seized batch had already been distributed to Hyderabad before last week’s crackdown.

According to officials from the drugs control department, at least six injections from the suspected counterfeit batch were supplied to a dealer in Hyderabad. The dealer has been instructed not to sell or use the stock while the investigation continues. Authorities are now probing whether additional consignments were sent to other cities, including via online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms.

Rs 70 Lakh Seizure and Arrests in Gurgaon Raid

The case came to light after a major enforcement operation near Super Mart-1 in Gurgaon, where officials seized 262 vials of suspected counterfeit Mounjaro injections, valued at approximately Rs 70 lakh.


Two individuals, Mujammil Khan and supplier Avi Sharma, were arrested in connection with the racket. Officials believe the operation involved organised production and distribution of counterfeit diabetes and weight-loss medication.

District Drug Controller Amandeep Chauhan confirmed the widening scope of the investigation.

“We are examining if supplies went beyond this batch and identifying all possible recipients. We have issued a notice to IndiaMart to share all details with us. They have requested some time to submit details,” Chauhan said, as quoted by TOI.

Fake Drug Manufacturing Operation in Gurgaon Flat

Investigators revealed that Avi Sharma allegedly operated from a rented flat in Sector 62, Gurgaon, which was used for assembling and packaging the counterfeit injections.

Officials said raw materials, including peptides and injection components, were sourced from China through online platforms. These were then assembled locally into injectable units.

The accused also allegedly used 3D printing technology to create packaging, labels, cartons, and instruction leaflets designed to closely resemble the original product.

Authorities further stated that refrigeration facilities were used to store the materials, although proper medical storage conditions were not maintained.

Packaging Clues Helped Expose Counterfeit Products

Officials identified several discrepancies during inspection that raised suspicion about the authenticity of the product. These included differences in colour shades on packaging, inconsistent typography, misaligned text, and darker, less precise illustrations of injection pens compared to genuine products.

“These visible discrepancies clearly indicated the product was not genuine,” Chauhan said, as quoted by TOI.

The injections were also found to be stored outside the required temperature range of 2°C to 8°C, further confirming regulatory violations.

Hyderabad Link and Wider Distribution Network Under Scanner

Preliminary findings suggest that at least six vials had already been sent to a dealer in Hyderabad before the raid. Officials are now tracking whether similar shipments were made to other cities, including through digital platforms and local pharmaceutical networks.

Investigators are also examining possible links to Delhi’s Bhagirath Palace market to determine whether it played a role in sourcing or distribution.

Laboratory Testing and Ongoing Probe

Samples of the seized injections have been sent for detailed laboratory analysis, including sterility testing, which requires a 14-day incubation period. Authorities have halted the circulation of the seized batch until final results are confirmed.

Avi Sharma is currently in judicial custody for five days while the investigation continues.

Rising Demand for Weight-Loss Drugs Raises Counterfeit Concerns

Officials noted that increasing demand for tirzepatide-based medicines, combined with high market prices, has made such drugs vulnerable to counterfeiting networks.

An Eli Lilly (India) spokesperson said, as quoted by TOI: “We have been made aware of a recent development in relation to seizure of suspicious and counterfeit products that allegedly carry our product brand name Mounjaro (Tirzepatide). Lilly takes patient safety extremely seriously and welcomes the regulatory authority’s action against illicit medicines. We are actively supporting the investigation and will continue to work with regulatory and law enforcement authorities worldwide to protect patients from the risks of counterfeit products.”

Inputs from TOI