Karnataka traders flag ‘dark economy’ in pharma distribution; link it to long credit cycles, counterfeit threat

Synopsis : The Bangalore District Chemists and Druggists Association warned that the prolonged credit period system in internal Karnataka and unregulated supply channels are enabling diversion, unethical trade practices, and even creating spaces where counterfeit medicines can infiltrate the market.

The Bangalore District Chemists and Druggists Association (BDCDA) warned that Karnataka’s pharmaceutical distribution chain is being increasingly undermined by a “silent intra-state dark economy”. They alleged that prolonged credit periods and unregulated supply channels are enabling diversion, unethical trade practices, and even creating spaces where counterfeit medicines can infiltrate the market.

Speaking to South First , B Thirunavukkarasu, President of BDCDA, said the long-standing cr