Telangana cracks down on illegal sale of habit-forming drugs, suspends 117 shops

Telangana's TG SAFE has suspended 117 medical shops for violating rules governing the sale of habit-forming drugs. While 84 shops will remain suspended until further orders, 33 face time-bound suspensions. Warnings have also been issued to four establishments

Hyderabad: As part of an ongoing special enforcement drive to curb the illegal sale and diversion of habit-forming drugs, the Drugs Wing of the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE), along with Enforcement Wing police personnel, conducted raids on medical shops in vulnerable areas across the State.

Following the special drive conducted on October 24, action has been taken against medical shops found violating the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the rules made thereunder, in connection with the sale of habit-forming drugs.

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Accordingly, 117 medical shops have been suspended, of which 84 will remain suspended until further orders, while 33 have been suspended for a specified period. Warnings have also been issued to four establishments.

TG SAFE has cautioned chemists and druggists against selling habit-forming drugs, including psychotropic and Schedule H/H1 drugs, without a valid prescription issued by a registered medical practitioner or in the absence of a registered pharmacist.

Records of purchases, sales and stock must be maintained as prescribed under applicable laws. Any violation will invite strict action, including suspension or cancellation of the licence and prosecution.

The public may report complaints regarding the illegal sale, distribution or diversion of habit-forming drugs through the TG SAFE Drugs Wing toll-free number 1800-599-6969. The helpline operates from 10.30 am to 5 pm on all working days.