Overview 

Atim Singh, a Noida resident, purchased protein supplements from a well-known brand through an online platform. However, after consuming the product, he became severely ill, suffering from stomach and liver issues, along with skin eruptions on his face, police reported. Suspicious about the product’s authenticity, Singh filed a complaint with the Noida Police on December 9. The police then registered an FIR under Section 318(4) of the BNS Act for cheating, along with relevant provisions of the IT Act.

Police Trace Fake Supplements to Greater Noida Factory

In the investigation, police traced the product to a factory in Sector 86, Greater Noida. On Tuesday, a team, accompanied by officials from the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, raided the site. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Greater Noida), Shakti Mohan Avasthi, reported that officers found three men packing empty boxes in the factory’s basement. They discovered numerous boxes containing counterfeit protein powder branded as “The Athlete’s Complete Nutrition.” When asked for a license, the men were unable to provide one. “We immediately notified the Food Safety Team, who apprehended them,” stated the DCP. Protein supplements are commonly used by athletes, bodybuilders, and gym-goers to enhance fitness levels.

Raid Seizes Fake Supplements and Packaging Worth Rs 50 Lakh

The raid uncovered a large stock of counterfeit products, including protein boxes, capsule containers, wrappers, powder bags, packaging materials, printing devices, and seals—valued at approximately Rs 50 lakh. The police identified the suspects as Sahil Yadav (27), Harsh Aggarwal (28), and Amit Choubey (30), all from Ghaziabad. The trio operated the counterfeit supplement factory, selling their products through online channels at prices four to five times higher than the market rate. DCP Avasthi confirmed that Singh had purchased these fake supplements, which led to his health issues, including stomach and liver problems and sudden facial breakouts.

Investigation Expands into Widespread Fake Dietary Supplement Scam

During questioning, Sahil revealed that he had worked at Advance NutraTech, a dietary supplement production firm in Haryana, between 2017 and 2018. “After learning the basics of the business, he started his own company on December 1, partnering with Harsh and Amit,” Avasthi said. “The trio sourced raw materials for the counterfeit supplements at low prices from various locations.” “We are continuing our investigation to determine if other individuals are involved in the operation,” Avasthi added.

Source: The Indian Express