Srinagar: In continuation of the sustained enforcement measures being undertaken under the Government’s anti-drug abuse campaign and in furtherance of the Union Territory Administration’s zero-tolerance policy against drug abuse and illegal trafficking of prescription medicines, the Drugs & Food Control Organisation, J&K has taken stringent action against a retail drug sale establishment in Udhampur following the recovery of habit-forming drug formulations during a joint investigation with the police.
The action was initiated after Police Station Udhampur recovered 100 capsules of Pregabalin Capsules IP 300 mg (Roadwell) from an individual during investigation. Subsequent enquiry led to further recoveries of the same drug formulation and revealed an alleged supply chain originating from Nath Medicos, situated at Battal Ballian Road, Sailan Talab, Udhampur.
Acting upon the information shared by the police, officers of the Drugs & Food Control Organisation conducted an investigation and formally seized the recovered drug stocks under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
During the course of the investigation, statements of the concerned persons were recorded and relevant evidence was taken into possession for further legal proceedings.Subsequently, a joint inspection of the premises of Nath Medicos was carried out by Regulatory Officers of the Organisation along with police officials. During the inspection, stocks of Pregabalin-based drug formulations, including Gabarutin-300 Capsules, were found in the premises.
The proprietor of the establishment failed to produce the requisite sale and purchase records relating to the said drugs despite being asked to do so.Considering the serious nature of the violations and the inability of the licensee to establish the lawful source and disposal of the drug stock, the suspect stock was seized for detailed investigation. The lapses observed constitute violations of the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules framed thereunder.Accordingly, the operations of Nath Medicos, holding Drug Sale Licences No. RLF20JK2023002395 and RLF21JK2023002387, have been disallowed with immediate effect pending further investigation and legal action.
The Drugs & Food Control Organisation has expressed serious concern over the increasing misuse and unauthorized diversion of prescription medicines containing habit-forming ingredients such as Pregabalin and other psychotropic substances.
The Organisation has reiterated that procurement, stocking, distribution, or sale of such drugs without maintaining mandatory records and without adhering to prescribed regulatory safeguards shall invite strict action under law, including suspension or cancellation of licences and prosecution wherever warranted.Rajesh Kumar, State Drugs Controller, J&K, reiterated that all drug sale establishments are duty-bound to maintain complete transparency in procurement and sale of prescription medicines, particularly those having abuse potential.
He warned that any attempt to facilitate diversion of such drugs into unauthorized channels shall be dealt with firmly in accordance with law.
Meanwhile, Khalid Jahangir, Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, J&K, stated that the Government remains fully committed to protecting public health and curbing the menace of drug abuse. He emphasized that enforcement drives and intelligence-based inspections shall continue across the Union Territory to identify and act against individuals and establishments involved in illegal drug distribution networks.
The Drugs & Food Control Organisation has appealed to the public to report any information regarding illegal sale, diversion, hoarding, or misuse of prescription medicines to the department so that timely action can be initiated against the violators.
