A string of targeted raids across Delhi over recent months has revealed a troubling and fast-growing counterfeit economy that extends far beyond luxury knock-offs. From adulterated ‘desi ghee’ and fake antacid powders to counterfeit shampoo, detergent, engine oil, jeans and even school textbooks, Delhi Police say counterfeiters are now infiltrating the daily lives of ordinary families.
Police officials noted that counterfeiting has escalated into a major public-safety challenge. Since 2023, authorities have uncovered 740 cases linked to the production and sale of fake goods. Between January and September this year alone, 132 cases were registered under the Copyright Act, highlighting the scale of the threat.
A senior officer said: “Counterfeiting is a serious offence, and our teams are maintaining strict vigilance. We have arrested those responsible and continue to crack down aggressively.”
The expanding counterfeit market mirrors concerns raised in Karnataka about product safety and consumer protection, similar to issues highlighted in this News Karnataka report on public health risks and another investigation on illegal manufacturing units.
Fake ghee units found operating with dangerous additives
One of the largest raids took place in Alipur, where police recovered nearly 1,500 kg of spurious ‘desi ghee’. Packed in tins with labels copying popular brands, the product was found to be a mixture of refined oil, synthetic flavours and low-grade additives. Officers warned that long-term consumption of such adulterated ghee could lead to severe digestive problems and chronic health complications.
Investigators also uncovered drums of raw materials and packaging machinery that had been operating unchecked for months.
A second major raid in Bawana Industrial Area exposed thousands of litres of adulterated ghee stored in unhygienic conditions. Racketeers reportedly combined low-cost vegetable oils with chemical aromas designed to mimic the smell of pure ghee, further endangering consumers.
Fake antacids spark major public-health alarm
Perhaps the most alarming discovery came when police busted a manufacturing unit producing counterfeit antacid sachets commonly used in households across India. Officers seized nearly 1 lakh packets, along with packaging rolls, powders and sealing machines.
The counterfeit sachets were almost identical to well-known brands, making them extremely difficult for consumers to differentiate. Police confirmed that the powders lacked the correct medicinal compounds, raising fears that people relying on them during emergencies could suffer serious medical consequences.
More information on counterfeit pharmaceuticals and public-health risk patterns is available on Wikipedia’s article on counterfeit medicines.
A growing threat to safety and consumer trust
Police officers say the counterfeit network has grown into one of the most significant threats to public health and consumer rights in Delhi. Many of the raided units operated in industrial pockets with little oversight, using chemicals, low-grade materials and unhygienic processes to mass-produce harmful goods disguised as trusted brands.
Authorities have pledged continued action, and investigations into wider supply chains are ongoing. Officers believe the recent raids only scratch the surface of an illicit economy spanning multiple states.
The crackdown has drawn attention to the broader need for stronger consumer awareness and regulatory vigilance, especially as counterfeiters increasingly target fast-moving daily-use goods