Delhi Police Uncovers Counterfeit Protein Supplement Operation, Two Arrested
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 8 (NationPress) - In a significant move, the Delhi Police Crime Branch apprehended two individuals for their alleged involvement in the production and distribution of counterfeit protein supplements from well-known brands in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The arrested suspects, identified as Mohit Tiwari and Mohit Dixit, both hailing from Brahmpuri in northeast Delhi, were taken into custody during a targeted operation carried out by the Crime Branch.
The police stated that this illegal operation posed significant health risks to consumers due to the sale of these fake supplements. A formal case has been registered against the suspects under applicable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Copyright Act, 1957, at the Crime Branch station in New Delhi.
Following actionable intelligence, the Crime Branch's NDR unit executed a follow-up operation in Brahmpuri on March 6, which led to the arrests of the two men for their alleged roles in the counterfeit supplement racket.
During questioning, the suspects admitted to their participation in the illicit business and guided the police to several illegal manufacturing sites in Brahmpuri. Investigators reported that these sites were used for producing fake protein supplements by mixing various raw materials and packaging them in containers with the logos of reputable brands.
Authorities confiscated a substantial quantity of these counterfeit supplements, along with packaging materials and raw ingredients. The seized items included boxes of protein supplements branded as Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey, Syntha-6 Ultra Premium Protein Matrix, and Isopure Zero Carb Protein, in addition to flavoring agents, cocoa powder, whey protein powder, fat powder, and maltodextrin powder.
The Crime Branch also recovered packaging materials such as brand stickers, hologram labels, seals, plastic jars, and lids featuring the names of esteemed brands. Furthermore, two mixing machines and weighing scales used in the production of these counterfeit supplements were confiscated.
In total, about 100 kg of fake protein supplements and 55 kg of raw materials intended for manufacturing were retrieved from the premises, along with two mobile phones utilized by the suspects.
The police disclosed that the duo had been concocting fake supplements by blending maltodextrin with flavoring agents and selling them under popular brand names for quick financial gain.
Ongoing investigations aim to identify other accomplices, including Anil Biswa, and to trace the supply chain and sources of raw materials, as well as the distribution network responsible for circulating these counterfeit products in the market.