Licenses of 117 medical stores cancelled in Telangana, action taken against sale of narcotic drugs

State authorities in Telangana have undertaken a major crackdown to prevent the illegal sale and misuse of narcotic drugs. According to a report in 'The Hindu', the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) has ordered the suspension of licenses for 117 medical stores across the state. All these shops are accused of violating the rules regarding the sale of psychotropic substances as well as drugs under the Schedule H and H1 categories.

The primary reason behind this action is a special investigation drive conducted on October 24. A joint team comprising officials from the Drugs Wing and personnel from the Enforcement Wing of the police raided medical shops located in sensitive areas of the state. During this investigation, serious violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the rules thereunder were observed. Action has been taken against a total of 121 units, among which the licenses of 117 shops have been suspended and 4 shops have been issued warnings.

Out of the 117 suspended shops, 84 have been ordered to remain completely closed until further orders, while 33 shops have been suspended for a specific period. TG SAFE has clarified that this action has been taken to prevent the illegal sale and diversion of narcotic drugs. The authority has issued strict instructions to all chemists and druggists not to sell any type of narcotic drugs without a valid prescription provided by a registered medical practitioner. Additionally, they have been urged not to sell medicines in the absence of a registered pharmacist.

TG SAFE is the government body operating for the regulation of food safety and essential drugs in Telangana. This organization holds the responsibility of supervising the sale, quality, and distribution of medicines in the state. In the past, this body has also conducted various campaigns for the implementation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, aimed at ensuring that common citizens receive safe and certified medicines. This recent action is being viewed as part of an effort to curb the illegal trade of medicines in the state.