Fake Liv-52 DS Tablets Flood Ghaziabad Markets: Police Launch Probe into Counterfeit Liver Supplement Racket

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Ghaziabad police have seized a large consignment of counterfeit Liv-52 DS tablets circulating through unauthorized channels in Uttar Pradesh, following a complaint from Himalaya Wellness, the product’s manufacturer. The spurious drugs, mimicking the popular Ayurvedic liver care supplement, were traced to a fake firm in Muradnagar, prompting an FIR and ongoing investigation into a potential wider network. This incident highlights escalating concerns over fake medicines in India, where substandard and spurious drugs pose severe risks to public health.

What is Liv-52 DS?

Liv-52 DS, produced by Himalaya Wellness, is a double-strength Ayurvedic formulation designed to support liver function, protect against toxins, and aid metabolic processes. Key ingredients include Himsra (Capparis spinosa), Kasani (Cichorium intybus), Kakamachi (Solanum nigrum), and Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), which provide hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties. Widely used for liver health issues like fatty liver buildup from lifestyle factors or as an adjuvant in therapies, it remains a top-selling over-the-counter supplement in India despite past scrutiny over efficacy claims.

The genuine product undergoes rigorous quality checks by Himalaya, but counterfeits lack these safeguards, potentially containing harmful fillers or zero active ingredients.

The Ghaziabad Counterfeit Bust

The racket surfaced when a medical store in Aligarh received suspicious Liv-52 DS tablets and alerted Himalaya Wellness. Company verification confirmed the batch as fake, leading to a police complaint and raid on NP Trading Company in Muradnagar, Ghaziabad. Police found the firm’s address fictitious, with forged drug licenses and GST details used for distribution.hindi.

A large stockpile was confiscated, and an FIR was filed at Muradnagar police station under relevant sections of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act for cheating and spurious drugs. As of January 2026, investigations continue to identify manufacturers and check spread to other districts, with no arrests reported yet. Himalaya emphasized the health dangers of fakes and urged chemists to verify sources.

Broader Context of Counterfeit Drugs in India

Counterfeit and substandard drugs plague India’s pharmaceutical market, with CDSCO reporting 3,104 “Not of Standard Quality” (NSQ) samples and 245 spurious ones from April 2024 to March 2025. Estimates suggest 3-5% of medicines are fake or substandard, rising to 20-25% in some urban areas, causing billions in losses and thousands of deaths annually. Herbal supplements like Liv-52 DS are prime targets due to high demand and OTC availability.

CDSCO’s monthly alerts, including recent spurious cases like Cefixime and Rosuvastatin, underscore systemic issues in supply chains. The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance stresses distinguishing NSQ from spurious drugs to avoid tarnishing legitimate firms.

Health Risks of Fake Liver Supplements

Spurious Liv-52 DS could contain contaminants, incorrect dosages, or no therapeutic agents, worsening liver conditions instead of aiding them. Fake herbals heighten hepatotoxicity risks, mimicking viral hepatitis patterns and leading to acute failure, transplants, or death—20% of US liver injuries link to supplements, with similar trends in India. Vulnerable groups, like those with pre-existing liver issues, face amplified dangers from unknown adulterants.

In India, poor-quality drugs prolong illnesses and fuel antimicrobial resistance, per WHO and CDSCO data.

Expert Perspectives

Dr. U Nandakumar Nair, Chairman of CAPSULE Kerala, notes Ayurvedic products like Liv-52 often make unproven claims for serious conditions without evidence, amplifying counterfeit dangers. “Consumers must verify authenticity; fakes undermine trust in genuine herbals,” said a pharmacist from the Indian Pharmaceutical Association, echoing calls for track-and-trace tech.

Himalaya Wellness reiterated: “Counterfeits pose serious consumer health risks,” urging strict enforcement. Public health experts advocate consumer education amid rising herbal misuse.

Implications and Precautions for Public Health

This bust signals urgent needs for robust supply chain monitoring, as spurious drugs erode India’s global pharma reputation. Consumers should buy from licensed pharmacies, check holograms/packaging, and use apps like CDSCO’s for verification. Healthcare professionals must counsel on risks, especially for self-medication in liver care.

Government initiatives like SSDRS fund new labs (Rs 756 crore allocated), but experts call for faster recalls and international collaboration.

Limitations and Challenges

No confirmed health incidents from these fakes yet, but undetected circulation remains a risk. Investigations face hurdles like fake documents and interstate networks. Broader counterfeit prevalence varies by study (0.04-25%), complicating estimates. Ayurveda’s regulatory gray areas invite exploitation despite CDSCO oversight.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.