Pilibhit Police Bust Fake Cough Syrup Factory Run by Former Compounder, Learnt Formula from YouTube

In a major crackdown on the illegal drug trade, Pilibhit police have unearthed a fake cough syrup manufacturing unit operating from a residential house in the Ghungchai police station area. A former hospital compounder has been arrested for running the illicit operation after allegedly learning the manufacturing process through YouTube videos.

The arrested accused has been identified as Suresh Kumar (41), a resident of Village Lah in the Puranpur area. He was previously employed as a compounder at a private hospital in Pilibhit.

Learnt Fake Drug Manufacturing Online

During police interrogation, Suresh Kumar revealed that around two years ago he learned the method of making fake cough syrup by watching videos on YouTube. He then set up a small factory inside his house and began producing counterfeit syrup on a large scale.

According to the police, the accused used spirit, orange flavour, DX syrup solution, and sugar syrup to prepare the fake cough syrup, which was later packaged to resemble branded products.

Huge Quantity of Fake Syrup Seized

Police recovered 375 bottles of fake cough syrup, including 340 bottles of Topex Gold and 35 bottles of Coyorex-T, from the accused’s possession. Additionally, 488 empty bottles, 1,939 caps, 110 wrappers, a gas cylinder, a lamination machine, and other manufacturing equipment were seized from the spot. A motorcycle used for transportation was also confiscated.

Low Cost, High Profit Racket

Investigations revealed that Suresh Kumar procured empty bottles from Bareilly and used a lamination machine to make the packaging look authentic. He admitted that while the cost of producing 10 bottles was only ₹75–80, he sold them for ₹600 to ₹800, primarily targeting drug addicts and certain medical stores.

Supply Network Under Scanner

The accused confessed to supplying the fake cough syrup to Sai Medical Store, Giriraj Medical Store, and an individual named Umapati Mandal in the Puranpur area. Police are now probing the involvement of these medical store operators and other possible links in the supply chain.

Case Registered Under Serious Sections

A case has been registered against the accused under stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Trade Marks Act, and he has been sent to jail. Further investigation is underway to dismantle the entire network involved in the illegal trade.

Police Appeal to Public

While addressing the media at the police lines, Additional Superintendent of Police Vikram Dahiya urged the public to remain vigilant while purchasing medicines. He advised citizens to always verify barcodes, ensure the authenticity of medicines, and avoid buying drugs without a proper bill.

He also warned medical store owners that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found involved in the sale or distribution of fake medicines.