Authorities have uncovered a major counterfeit drug operation involving fake versions of Mounjaro. The accused, Avi Sharma, allegedly operated from a flat in Sector 62, where he manufactured and distributed spurious injections.
Investigators revealed that he ran two parallel operations—one producing counterfeit vials designed to mimic Mounjaro, and another developing an unapproved tirzepatide-based injection under his own brand, ‘Toneup’.
Parallel Production of Counterfeit and Unapproved Drugs
According to officials, Sharma used 3D printing technology to create cartons, labels, and instruction leaflets that closely resembled original Mounjaro packaging.
At the same time, he produced 15–16 vials labelled ‘Toneup’ and sold them online as a separate weight-loss product. Authorities have traced these vials to buyers in Delhi, Hyderabad, and other cities.
Amandeep Chauhan confirmed that officials have already retrieved some injections from Delhi, while teams are tracking the remaining supplies.
Online Sales and Nationwide Distribution
Furthermore, the accused allegedly sold the injections through the online platform IndiaMART. Officials have now sought transaction details from the platform and initiated an immediate product recall.
Authorities emphasised that ‘Toneup’ has no regulatory approval and has not undergone any safety testing. They have strongly advised consumers to avoid using these injections under any circumstances.
Reportedly, Sharma sold the products at prices ranging from ₹11,000 to ₹18,000 per vial. He remains in judicial custody until May 8.
Seizure and Arrest During Police Operation
As reported by TOI, the crackdown began on April 22, when a joint team of drug inspectors and police intercepted a vehicle near Super Mart-1. During the operation, officials seized 262 vials of suspected spurious injections valued at over ₹70 lakh.
Subsequently, authorities arrested Sharma and his associate, Mujammil Khan. Further investigation led them to the Sector 62 flat, which they discovered had been converted into a makeshift manufacturing and packaging unit.
Crude Manufacturing Setup Exposed
Officials described the setup as rudimentary, consisting of a single room equipped with a refrigerator and a deep freezer.
Shockingly, Sharma allegedly relied on online resources such as Google, ChatGPT, and YouTube to learn how to manufacture injections. He sourced research-grade tirzepatide, cartridges, and injection pens online before assembling the products at home.
During inspection, authorities identified clear inconsistencies in the packaging, including differences in colour, typography, text alignment, and pen illustrations—strong indicators of counterfeit production.
Legal Action Under Drugs and Cosmetics Act
Authorities have invoked provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, including Section 17B related to spurious drugs, along with penal sections 27(a) and 27(c). These charges carry serious legal consequences.
Samples Sent for Testing
Officials have sent all seized samples for laboratory testing, including sterility analysis. The results are expected after a 14-day incubation period, which will determine the safety and composition of the injections.
Manufacturer Supports Investigation
Meanwhile, Eli Lilly India, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, has expressed concern over the incident. The company stated that it takes patient safety very seriously, welcomed the enforcement action, and is actively supporting the ongoing investigation.
Public Advisory Issued
In conclusion, authorities have urged the public to remain cautious while purchasing medications online. They emphasised that consumers should only use approved drugs obtained through authorised medical channels to avoid serious health risks.