Banka, Bihar: In a major crackdown on counterfeit medical products, the Bihar police have busted a fake Vicks and Iodex manufacturing operation in Banka district. The raid, conducted in Amarpur police station area at English Mod, led to the seizure of large quantities of counterfeit goods, leaving officials shocked by the extent of the illegal operation.
Police Seize Fake Products, Suspect Detained
During the raid on Sunday (February 16, 2025), authorities confiscated fake Vicks and Iodex containers, stickers, and chemicals used for manufacturing. At first glance, the products appeared identical to the original, making it difficult to distinguish between real and fake. The police detained Pappu Mandal, the primary suspect, and are currently interrogating him.
Copyright Team Alert Led to Police Raid
Reports suggest that a copyright team from Delhi and Mumbai tipped off the police about the illegal operation. Acting on this information, Banka Superintendent of Police Upendra Nath Verma formed a special team, which conducted the raid and seized a significant amount of fake goods.
Company Manager Confirms Ongoing Counterfeiting
Manohar Jha, Manager of Vicks Vaporub, revealed that the company had been receiving secret information about counterfeit products being manufactured at Pappu Mandal’s house and sold in local markets. The company then informed Banka police, leading to a joint operation.
Seized Items and Further Investigation
During the raid, officials seized:
- 730 packets of fake Vicks, each containing 12 containers
- 20,210 counterfeit Vicks containers
- 1,720 fake stickers
- Approximately 15 kg of chemicals
Amarpur police station in-charge Pankaj Kumar Jha confirmed that a case has been registered based on the company’s written complaint, and further investigations are underway.
Concerns Over Public Safety
This bust raises serious concerns about the safety of over-the-counter medical products in local markets. Authorities have urged consumers to purchase products only from trusted sources and report any suspicious or substandard items.
The police are now investigating whether this illegal operation has links to a larger counterfeit network operating beyond Bihar.
