The Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested 17 people for allegedly operating an interstate syndicate involved in procuring, storing, repackaging and selling counterfeit and illegally diverted anti-cancer medicines.Police said 588 filled vials, six empty vials, seven empty medicine boxes and 3,021 units of medicines valued around ₹9 crore were recovered. ₹50 lakh in cash, electronic devices, registers, diaries and packaging material were also seized.The syndicate operated through intermediaries across Delhi-NCR, Mumbai and Hyderabad. Police said the medicines were sourced through three channels, counterfeit drugs procured from unauthorised sources; medicines diverted from hospitals meant for cancer patients; and government-supplied medicines diverted from institutions and warehouses.The case came to light after the police received information on June 22. On July 11, seven teams of the Inter-State Cell conducted raids in Delhi and Navi Mumbai in coordination with local police. A case was registered on July 12 under relevant BNS provisions.Police said the medicines were procured without valid documentation and stored before distribution.Investigators found that original cartons and empty boxes were allegedly reused for repackaging. Batch numbers and MRP details were removed using acetone to conceal their source.Police said Abhishek Vaishya allegedly procured and supplied anti-cancer medicines through unauthorised channels, while Shubham Kumar Chaudhary and his brother Suraj were also involved. Gagan allegedly procured injections from Satish Kumar for Vaishya.Mukesh allegedly procured medicines from hospitals and supplied them to pharmacists and brokers. Twelve vials and ₹16.50 lakh were recovered from his vehicle. Vishwas Tyagi allegedly facilitated invoices without corresponding supplies, while Paramjeet Sheoran allegedly distributed medicines through his medical store.In Hyderabad, Srinivasulu Kalva, Ramdas Satish Kumar and Malugari Srinath Reddy were arrested for allegedly receiving or misappropriating medicines meant for patients. Mayank Garg allegedly procured medicines from hospitals and circulated them. Deepak alias Ravi, a former personal assistant to an oncologist, allegedly received vials from nursing in-charge Jaswant Sharma. 108 vials and ₹6.50 lakh were recovered from his residence.The investigation is continuing to trace beneficiaries and the financial trail and ascertain the involvement of other people and business entities, police said. Published - August 21, 2026 12:49 am IST