Unlicensed Drug Racket Busted in Delhi’s Paschim Vihar: Over ₹1.3 Crore in Illicit Pharmaceuticals Seized

New Delhi, July 29 — In a startling development that has raised eyebrows across the capital, authorities have busted a major unlicensed pharmaceutical operation running out of a residential apartment in Delhi’s Paschim Vihar. The seizure, valued at over ₹1.3 crore, included a stockpile of illegal and unapproved medicines, exposing a deep-rooted black-market network operating under the radar.

The joint operation was conducted following a tip-off about suspicious activities in the neighborhood. Upon raiding the apartment, officials were shocked to discover massive quantities of high-value drugs, many of which are not licensed for sale in India. According to investigators, the seized medicines were allegedly being stored with the intent to distribute them illegally — potentially across Delhi and other northern regions.

What’s more concerning is the nature of the drugs found. A large portion consisted of hormone boosters, performance enhancers, and other restricted substances, often misused by bodybuilders and athletes. Authorities suspect these drugs were being sold to unsuspecting consumers through underground networks and possibly through fitness centers and supplement vendors posing as legitimate businesses.

“It wasn’t just about stocking a few pills here and there,” one official close to the investigation shared. “This was an organized operation, and the scale of it is deeply troubling. These substances can cause serious harm, especially when used without medical supervision.”

The flat — located in a seemingly quiet, middle-class residential block — had been under surveillance for several days before the raid. Residents had reportedly noticed frequent late-night visitors and heavy packages being brought in, which eventually led to complaints and police attention. The operation appears to have been running for months, if not longer, disguised behind the facade of a normal household.

Law enforcement is currently interrogating two suspects linked to the apartment. Preliminary information suggests they may be part of a wider syndicate involved in importing unregulated drugs from abroad and distributing them via informal networks. The investigation is also examining possible connections with online black markets, where such drugs are often advertised and sold discreetly to avoid scrutiny.

Experts have long warned about the dangers of such underground pharmaceutical markets. Not only do they bypass safety regulations, but they also pose serious risks to public health. “When people consume these unlicensed drugs, they’re gambling with their health,” said a senior health official. “There’s no accountability, no dosage regulation, and no knowledge of side effects. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”

This latest crackdown has reignited conversations around stricter monitoring of pharmaceutical sales, especially in urban areas where e-commerce and loosely regulated supplement stores are making it easier to access potentially dangerous substances. Officials are now urging the public to report any suspicious activity related to drug sales, especially in local gyms, wellness centers, or through dubious online platforms.

Authorities have confirmed that the case has been registered under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and further charges could follow pending the forensic analysis of the recovered substances. The investigation is expected to expand, with more raids likely in the coming weeks as the full extent of the network becomes clearer.

For now, the streets of Paschim Vihar may be a little quieter, but this incident has served as a grim reminder that the underbelly of the pharmaceutical trade is more active — and dangerous — than many realize.