Telangana: 138 medical shops suspended over illegal drug sales
The Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs took enforcement action against 140 establishments following special raids on October 15.
The Drugs Wing of the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE), working with police, suspended 138 medical shops across Telangana for violating regulations regarding habit-forming drugs. According to reports from Urban Acres, The Hindu and Telangana Today, the enforcement action followed special raids conducted on October 15.
Of the 138 suspended establishments, 98 have been ordered to close indefinitely. Another 40 shops received fixed-term suspension orders, while two other establishments were issued formal warnings. These actions were taken under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
The regulatory drive targeted the illegal sale and diversion of psychotropic medicines and drugs listed under Schedule H and Schedule H1. TG SAFE stated that such medicines cannot be provided without a valid prescription from a Registered Medical Practitioner.
Authorities also mandated that shops must have a Registered Pharmacist present and keep precise records of all stock, sales and purchases. These measures aim to monitor medicine movement and prevent diversion from legitimate medical use.
TG SAFE warned chemists and druggists that further violations could result in criminal prosecution or the cancellation of licences. The public can report illegal sales of habit-forming drugs via the TG SAFE Drugs Wing toll-free helpline at 1800-599-6969 between 10.30 am and 5 pm on working days.