Ahmedabad: The city crime branch has dismantled a counterfeit FMCG products racket and arrested three individuals allegedly involved in manufacturing and distributing duplicate branded goods valued at over ₹20.3 lakh. Officials disclosed on Sunday that the apprehended suspects are Arun Gupta (36), a cab driver from Gota-Chandlodia; his brother Sachin Gupta (38), a driver from Chandlodia; and Sujeet Poddar (30), a businessman from Ghatlodia.
Interception and Seizure
According to crime branch officers, the trio were traveling in a car when intercepted near Sola Bhagwat Vidyapith. Checks revealed counterfeit Gold Flake and Marlboro cigarettes. Further search and questioning led to the discovery of more fake products resembling reputed brands, including Wagh Bakri Tea, Everest masala, Amul and Sagar ghee, Surf Excel, Ariel, Tide, Harpic, Feviqwik, Sunrise coffee, and Eno, officers stated.
Kingpin and Modus Operandi
During interrogation, investigators found that Poddar was the alleged kingpin of the operation. “A decoy operation was conducted after inputs suggested duplicate branded goods were being supplied in the city at throwaway prices. Arun and Sachin Gupta worked as mediators on a commission basis and were caught while showing the products to our team,” a crime branch officer said.
Officers said Poddar either manufactured the duplicate products himself or procured them from another syndicate. “Our investigation led us to two godowns near Gota railway bridge. Large quantities of counterfeit FMCG products were stocked at these godowns. Additional goods worth over ₹15 lakh were seized from there,” another officer added.
Duration and Distribution Network
Police said preliminary findings suggest the accused had been running the racket for a month and a half and had rapidly built a local distribution network. The counterfeit goods were being supplied at prices significantly lower than market rates, attracting unsuspecting customers.
Public Health Concerns
Officers reiterated that counterfeit products pose a serious threat to public health, as customers are misled into buying fakes using packaging and branding identical to those of genuine products. Such items may contain substandard or harmful ingredients, endangering consumers.
Legal Action
Police have registered a case under the Copyright Act at the DCB police station and are conducting a deeper investigation to trace the entire supply chain and identify any additional accomplices. Further arrests are expected as the probe continues.
