India, April 6 -- A covert network siphoning off life-saving medicines meant for free distribution in Government hospitals has been busted by the Delhi Police Crime Branch, with drugs worth around Rs 70 lakh recovered and five persons arrested in connection with the racket.

According to the police officials, the operation exposed an organised chain that diverted essential medicines from hospital stocks into the open market through brokers. The accused were caught transporting cartons marked "GOVT. SUPPLY NOT FOR SALE," revealing a systematic breach of public healthcare supply lines.

"This operation reflects our commitment to prevent misuse of government resources and ensure that essential medicines reach the intended beneficiaries," sai...